If you’re a developer considering what and where to build on your site, you’ll need to know firstly, what utilities are already present, and secondly, where best to locate the new services for your proposed development and how low these services can go. The requisite depth of your utility apparatus will vary depending on its […]
Do you know the stand-off distances from overhead electricity apparatus? If not, they’re worth knowing
Those overhead electricity lines regularly seen dominating the landscape, are all governed by a combination of statutory regulations and industry guidelines. The stand-off safety distances will depend on the size of the apparatus, and the resulting building and construction restrictions can have a serious impact on the amount of developable area available on a site. […]
Site Health Check: what’s lurking below the surface?
When you’re looking at a site, remember: not everything shows up on the title plan or in the legal pack. Here’s a handy Site Health Check tick list of things to look out for that might trip you up later: Legal documents rarely show you the full picture. That’s why we always recommend an early […]
Due diligence prior to site development: what do you need to consider?
Developing a site should be about reaping rewards for everyone concerned, but failing to carry out thorough due diligence beforehand could spell disaster. Before breaking ground, there are several steps developers should be taking. Here’s a guide to those essential due diligence steps: 1. Examine Land Title Documents Before purchasing or developing a site, […]
132kV overhead electricity line causing you headaches? Want to know how long it would take to underground it on your site?
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.
