Consent to transfer the benefit of the Order
35.—(1) Subject to paragraph (3), the undertaker may—
(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 between the undertaker and the transferee; and
(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 so agreed.
(2) Where a transfer or grant has been made references in this Order to the undertaker, except in paragraph (8), are to include references to the transferee or lessee.
(3) The consent of the Secretary of State is required for the exercise of the powers of paragraph (1) except where—
(a)the transferee or lessee is the holder of a licence under section 6 (licences authorising supply etc.) of the 1989 Act; or
(b)the time limits for 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(ii)any such claim has been made and has been compromised or withdrawn;
(iii)compensation has been paid in full and final settlement of any such claim;
(iv)payment of compensation into court has taken place in lieu of settlement of any such claim; or
(v)it has been determined by a tribunal or court of competent jurisdiction in respect of any such claim that no compensation is payable.
(4) Where the consent of the Secretary of State is not required, the undertaker must notify the Secretary of State in writing and the relevant local planning authorities before transferring or granting a benefit referred to in paragraph (1).
(5) The notification referred to in paragraph (4) must state—
(a)the name and contact details of the person to whom the benefit of the powers will be transferred or granted;
(b)subject to paragraph (6), the date on which the transfer will take effect;
(c)the powers to be transferred or granted;
(d)pursuant to paragraph (8), the restrictions, liabilities and obligations that will apply to the person exercising the powers transferred or granted; and
(e)where relevant, a plan showing the works or areas to which the transfer or grant relates.
(6) The date specified under paragraph (5)(b) must not be earlier than the expiry of fourteen (14) days from the date of the receipt of the notification.
(7) The notification given must be signed by the undertaker and the person to whom the benefit of the powers will be transferred or granted as specified in that notification.
(8) Where the undertaker has transferred any benefit, or for the duration of any period during which the undertaker has granted any benefit—
(a)the benefit transferred or granted (“the transferred benefit”) must include any rights that are conferred, and any obligations that are imposed, by virtue of the provisions to which the benefit relates;
(b)the transferred benefit will reside exclusively with the transferee or, as the case may be, the lessee and the transferred benefit will not be enforceable against the undertaker; and
(c)the exercise by a person of any benefits or rights conferred in accordance with any transfer or grant 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.