The M42 Junction 6 Development Consent Order 2020

Retained apparatus: protection of electricity undertaker E+W

26.—(1) Not less than 56 days before the commencement of any specified works the promoter must submit to National Grid a plan of the works to be executed and seek from National Grid details of the underground extent of their electricity tower foundations. E+W

(2) The plan to be submitted to National Grid under sub-paragraph (1) must include a method statement and describe—

(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;

(f) any intended maintenance regimes; and

(g) an assessment of risks of rise of earth issues.

(3) In relation to any specified 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) must, in addition to the matters set out in sub-paragraph (2), include a method statement describing—

(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 any cable installation methodology including access arrangements, jointing bays and backfill methodology;

(e) a written management plan for high voltage hazard during construction and ongoing maintenance of any cable route;

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

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

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

(4) The promoter must not commence any specified works until National Grid has given written approval of the plan so submitted.

(5) Any approval of National Grid required under sub-paragraph (4)—

(a) may be given subject to reasonable conditions for any purpose mentioned in sub-paragraph (6); and

(b) must not be unreasonably withheld.

(6) National Grid may require such modifications to be made to the plans as may be reasonably necessary for the purpose of securing its apparatus against interference or risk of damage or for the purpose of providing or securing proper and convenient means of access to any apparatus.

(7) Specified works must be executed in accordance with—

(a) the plan submitted under sub-paragraph (1), as approved or as amended from time to time by agreement between the promoter and National Grid; and

(b) such reasonable requirements as may be made in accordance with sub-paragraphs (6) or (8) by National Grid for the alteration or otherwise for the protection of the apparatus, or for securing access to it, and National Grid will be entitled to watch and inspect the execution of those works.

(8) Where under sub-paragraph (6) National Grid requires any protective works to be carried out by itself or by the promoter as part of the plan approved pursuant to this paragraph, such protective works (whether of a temporary or permanent nature) must be carried out to National Grid’s satisfaction prior to the commencement of any specified works for which the protective works are required and National Grid must give notice of its requirement for such works within 42 days of the date of submission of a plan pursuant to this paragraph (except in an emergency).

(9) If National Grid in accordance with sub-paragraphs (6) or (8) and in consequence of the works proposed by the promoter, reasonably requires the removal of any apparatus and gives written notice to the promoter of that requirement, paragraphs 19 to 20 and 23 to 25 apply as if the removal of the apparatus had been required by the promoter under paragraph 24(2).

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

(11) The promoter is not required to comply with sub-paragraph (1) where it needs to carry out emergency works but in that case it must give to National Grid notice as soon as is reasonably practicable and a plan of those works and must comply with sub-paragraph (6) insofar as is reasonably practicable in the circumstances.

(12) In sub-paragraph (11) “emergency works” means works whose execution at the time when they are executed is required in order to put an end to, or to prevent the occurrence of, circumstances then existing or imminent (or which the person responsible for the works believes on reasonable grounds to be existing or imminent) which are likely to cause danger to persons or property.

Commencement Information

I1 Sch. 12 para. 26 in force at 11.6.2020, see art. 1