7.—(1) The undertaker may, with the consent of the Secretary of State—
(a)transfer to another person (“the transferee”) any or all of the benefit of the provisions of this Order and such related statutory rights as may be agreed in writing between the undertaker and the transferee; or
(b)grant to another person (“the lessee”) for a period agreed between the undertaker and the lessee any or all of the benefit of the provisions of this Order and such related statutory rights as may be agreed in writing between the undertaker and the lessee,
except where paragraph (4) applies in which case no such consent is required.
(2) Where an agreement has been made in accordance with paragraph (1) references in this Order to the undertaker, except in paragraph (3) include references to the transferee or the lessee.
(3) The exercise by a person of any benefits or rights conferred in accordance with any transfer or grant under paragraph (1) is subject to the same restrictions, liabilities and obligations as would apply under this Order if those benefits or rights were exercised by the undertaker.
(4) This paragraph applies where—
(a)the transferee or lessee is the holder of a licence under section 6 of the Electricity Act 1989(1) or section 7 of the Gas Act 1986(2); or
(b)the time limits for all claims for compensation in respect of the acquisition of land or effects upon land under this Order have elapsed and—
(i)no such claims have been made;
(ii)any such claims that have been made have all been compromised or withdrawn;
(iii)compensation has been paid in final settlement of all such claims;
(iv)payment of compensation into court in lieu of settlement of all such claims has taken place; or
(v)it has been determined by a tribunal or court of competent jurisdiction in respect of all claims that no compensation is payable.
(5) Where paragraph (4) applies the undertaker must notify the Secretary of State in writing before transferring or granting any benefit referred to in paragraph (1).
1989 c.29. Section 6 was amended by section 30 of the Utilities Act 2000 (c.27), and section 6(10) amended by section 89(3) of the Energy Act 2004 (c.20). There are other amendments to the section that are not relevant to this Order.
1986 c.44. Section 7 was amended by section 5 of the Gas Act 1995 (c.45) and section 76(2) of the Utilities Act 2000 (c.27). There are other amendments to the section that are not relevant to this Order.