The Hirwaun Generating Station Order 2015

Retained apparatus: protection of National Grid as Electricity Undertaker

9.—(1) Not less than 56 days before the commencement of any authorised development under this Order that is near to, or will or may affect, any apparatus the removal of which has not been required by the undertaker under paragraph 6 sub-paragraph (2) or otherwise and to which sub-paragraph (2)(i) or (2)(ii) applies, the undertaker must submit to National Grid a plan and seek from National Grid details of the underground extent of their electricity tower foundations.

(2) In relation to works which will or may be situated on, over, under or within (i) 15 metres measured in any direction of any apparatus, or (ii) involve embankment works within 15 metres of any apparatus, the plan to be submitted under sub-paragraph (1) shall show—

(a) the exact position of the works;

(b) the level at which these are proposed to be constructed or renewed;

(c) the manner of their construction or renewal including details of excavation, positioning of plant;

(d) the position of all apparatus;

(e) by way of detailed drawings, every alteration proposed to be made to or close to any such apparatus;

(3) In relation to any works which will or may be situated on, over, under or within 10 metres of any part of the foundations of an electricity tower or between any two or more electricity towers, the plan to be submitted under sub-paragraph (1) shall be detailed including a method statement and describing in addition to the matters set out in sub-paragraph (2)—

(a) details of any cable trench design including route, dimensions, clearance to pylon foundations;

(b) demonstration that pylon foundations will not be affected prior to, during and post construction;

(c) details of load bearing capacities of trenches;

(d) details of cable installation methodology including access arrangements, jointing bays and backfill methodology;

(e) a written management plan for high voltage hazard during construction and on-going maintenance of the cable route;

(f) written details of the operations and maintenance regime for the cable, including frequency and method of access;

(g) assessment of earth rise potential if reasonably required by National Grid’s engineers;

(h) evidence that trench bearing capacity is to be designed to 26 tonnes to take the weight of overhead line construction traffic.

(4) The undertaker must not commence any works to which sub-paragraph (1), (2) or (3) applies until National Grid has given written approval of the plan so submitted,

(5) Any approval of National Grid required under sub-paragraph (1), (2) or (3)—

(a) may be given subject to reasonable conditions for any purpose mentioned in this sub-paragraph or sub-paragraph (8);

(b) must not be unreasonably withheld.

(6) In relation to a work to which sub-paragraph (1), (2) or (3) applies, National Grid may require such modifications to be made to the plans as may be reasonably necessary for the purpose of securing its system against interference or risk of damage or for the purpose of providing or securing proper and convenient means of access to any apparatus.

(7) Works executed under sub-paragraph (1), (2) or (3) must be executed only in accordance with the plan, submitted under sub-paragraph (1) or as relevant sub-paragraph (2), (3) or (5), as amended from time to time by agreement between the undertaker and National Grid and in accordance with such reasonable requirements as may be made in accordance with sub-paragraph (5), (6), (8) and/or (9) by National Grid for the alteration or otherwise for the protection of the apparatus, or for securing access to it, and National Grid shall be entitled to watch and inspect the execution of those works.

(8) Where National Grid require any protective works to be carried out either themselves or by the undertaker (whether of a temporary or permanent nature) such protective works must be carried out to the undertakers’ satisfaction prior to the commencement of any authorised development (or any relevant part thereof) and National Grid must give 56 days’ notice of such works from the date of submission of a plan in line with sub-paragraph (1), (2), (3) or (5) (except in an emergency).

(9) If National Grid in accordance with sub-paragraph (6) or (8) and in consequence of the works proposed by the undertaker, reasonably requires the removal of any apparatus and gives written notice to the undertaker of that requirement, paragraphs 1 to 3 and 6 to 7 shall apply as if the removal of the apparatus had been required by the undertaker under paragraph 6 sub-paragraph (2).

(10) Nothing in this paragraph shall preclude the undertaker from submitting at any time or from time to time, but in no case less than 56 days before commencing the execution of any works, a new plan, instead of the plan previously submitted, and having done so the provisions of this paragraph shall apply to and in respect of the new plan.

(11) The undertaker shall not be required to comply with sub-paragraph (1) where it needs to carry out emergency works as defined in the 1991 Act but in that case it must give to National Grid notice as soon as is reasonably practicable and a plan of those works and shall—

(a) comply with sub-paragraph (6), (7) and (8) insofar as is reasonably practicable in the circumstances; and

(b) comply with sub-paragraph (12) at all times.

(12) At all times when carrying out any works authorised under the Order comply with National Grid’s policies for development near over headlines ENA TA 43-8 and the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance note 6 “Avoidance of Danger from Overhead Lines”.