Step 1 Notice served to terminate any existing wayleave agreements on the line (timescale: 3 months) Step 2 Negotiations with District Network Operator with the expectation of extracting one to three ascending compensation offers from them (timescale: 12 – 15 months) Step 3 Design feasibility carried out by DNO to determine the best diversion route […]
Seeking compensation for electricity infrastructure: a lesson from Arnold White Estates v National Grid Electricity Transmission
For landowners and developers, the presence of electricity apparatus can significantly impact the value and development potential of their land. Recalling the landmark case: Arnold White Estates Ltd (AWE) v National Grid Electricity Transmission plc (NGET) can offer valuable insights into claiming compensation for overhead electricity lines. The case at a glance AWE owned Area […]
What is an Easement? Part 2 of understanding land access agreements
An easement is a legal agreement. It can have a huge impact on the value of a site, but it needn’t be a major obstacle. For a developer looking to boost the viability of their project, and unlock their site’s potential, the ability to understand and manage an easement is essential. Like wayleaves, easements grant permission […]
Diverting overhead electricity lines: to ground or not to ground – that is the ?
At BTS we talk a lot about overhead electricity lines and how they can affect the successful delivery of a development. The decision about whether to divert apparatus underground (to free up more development land) or settle for compensation (in return for that loss), is rarely straightforward and can depend on a number of different […]
What is a Wayleave? Part 1 of understanding land access agreements
A wayleave is a legal agreement. It grants a service provider (usually electricity or telecommunications) the right to install and maintain infrastructure (overhead electricity lines, underground cables, and fibreoptic cables) on or within private land. Existing infrastructure covered by a legal agreement can ring alarm bells from a developer’s viewpoint, because at first glance, it might seem […]
Green Belt Rules have Changed
Check whether your site benefits from the new ‘Grey Belt’ definition. Development may no longer be deemed “inappropriate”. Ask your Planning advisor to assess your site’s potential against the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, 2024). For an informal chat, please contact our team at BTS.
Don’t miss out on your new connection
You have a new development. Whether it’s a commercial, residential, or mixed use scheme, you’ll need to power it. So how do you go about doing that? Well, if your development is already underway and you haven’t considered the connection you will need, you may find you’re too late. Too late, that is, to save […]
National Grid’s call for action to prevent UK from falling behind in international race to deliver cleaner energy infrastructure
Without major upgrades to the grid, the UK will fall well behind in the race to achieve Net Zero status, National Grid announced earlier this year. With a 50% rise in demand for electricity expected by 2035, five ‘fundamental’ areas will need to be addressed: Given that 2035 will be here before we know it, […]
Decarbonising our existing homes – how can we do our bit?
So here we are – right in the middle of a huge Climate Crisis, and with fuel prices soaring. For the time being at least, things look set to get much worse before they get better. Global warming clearly needs to be addressed – and fast. The UK Government is aiming to bring all homes […]
Levelling Up and the Regeneration Bill: Further hope for under-utilised land?
The Levelling up and Regeneration Bill was introduced into Parliament on 11 May 2022 and moved to report stage in the House of Lords in July 2023. Could the new Bill assist with brownfield development and encourage the use of under-utilised buildings? There are some positive signs: Land Ownership Data: Information on contractual arrangements used by […]
