Representation by National Grid Electricity Transmission plc (National Grid Electricity Transmission plc)
- Date submitted
- 5 July 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Relevant Representation of NGET (National Grid Electricity Transmission Plc) in respect of the M60/M62/M66 Simister Island DCO (the “Project”) This relevant representation is submitted on behalf of National Grid Electricity Transmission Plc (“NGET”) in respect of the Project, and in particular NGET’s existing and proposed infrastructure and land interests which will be located within and in close proximity to the proposed Order Limits. The Project proposes to construct a free-flow link from the M60 eastbound to southbound carriageway, realign M66 southbound carriageway, construct a two-way free-flow road from M60 northbound to westbound, widen the M66 and other associated works. The Applicant is seeking temporary and permanent rights over several parcels which contain NGET assets, including 1/1c, 1/3c, 1/3d, 1/3e, 1/5a, 1/5c, 1/5d, 1/5e, 1/5f, 1/5h, 1/5ap, 1/5at, 1/5ay, 1/5az, 1/5aaf, 1/9, 1/34, 2/3b, 2/3c, 3/1a, 3/2a and 3/4. The Applicant is also seeking permanent or temporary rights over parcels which contain rights held by NGET to maintain their assets included within sheets 1-3 of the Land Plans. As a responsible statutory undertaker, NGET’s primary concern is to meet its statutory obligations and to ensure that any development does not adversely affect those statutory obligations. NGET has a duty to protect its position in relation to infrastructure and land which is within or in close proximity to the draft Order Limits. Additionally, NGET must protect its future proposed infrastructure. NGET will therefore require appropriate protection for retained or proposed apparatus, including compliance with relevant standards for works proposed within close proximity of its apparatus or proposed apparatus. NGET’s rights of access to inspect, maintain, renew and repair such apparatus must be maintained at all times and access to inspect and maintain such apparatus must not be restricted. Further, where the Applicant intends to acquire land or rights, or interfere with any of NGET’s interests in land or NGET’s apparatus, NGET will require appropriate protection. Further discussion and agreement with the Applicant is required in relation to the impact on its apparatus and rights. NGET owns and operates a 275kV overhead line that is located within and in close proximity to the Order Limits for the Project. These assets form an essential part of the electricity transmission network in England and Wales. The details of the electricity assets are as follows: • VJ 275kV OHL – Kearsely – Whitegate 1; Kearsley – Whitegate 2 • Associated cable fibres Protection of NGET Assets NGET will require Protective Provisions to be included within the draft Development Consent Order (the “Order”) for the Project to ensure that assets existing at the time of construction of the Project are adequately protected and to ensure compliance with relevant safety standards. NGET is in the early stages of liaising with the Applicant in relation to such Protective Provisions. Accordingly NGET has not appended the version of the Protective Provisions it requires to be included in the Order to this Relevant Representation. However, NGET will submit these at Written Representation Stage, if not agreed between the parties by that point, with an explanation of any outstanding issues. NGET requests that the Applicant continues to engage with it in relation to how the Applicant’s works pursuant to the Order (if made) will ensure protection for those proposed NGET assets, along with facilitating all future access and other rights as are necessary to allow NGET to properly discharge its statutory obligations. NGET will continue to liaise with the Applicant in this regard with a view to concluding matters as soon as possible during the DCO Examination and will keep the Examining Authority updated in relation to these discussions. Compulsory Acquisition Powers in respect of the Project Where the Applicant seeks powers of compulsory acquisition over NGET land or rights, the Protective Provisions must require that the Applicant obtain NGET’s consent to any compulsory acquisition of any such land or rights. NGET reserves the right to make further representations as part of the Examination process in relation to any NGET projects identified during the Examination process, and as negotiations continue.