The Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992

Article 13(1).

SCHEDULE 4 N.I. OTHER POWERS, ETC., OF LICENCE HOLDERS

Interpretation N.I.

1.—(1) In this Schedule— N.I.

• “controlled works” means any such works as are mentioned in paragraph 2(1) being works done under the right conferred by that paragraph;

• “emergency works” means—

  (a)

  in relation to a licence holder, work arising from faults in any electric lines or electrical plant;

  (b)

  in relation to a government department for the purpose of paragraph 4 or 6, work requisite to put an end to, or prevent, the arising of circumstances which are likely to cause

  (i)

  danger to persons or property, or

  (ii)

  interference with the exercise of any functions conferred on that department;

  (c)

  in relation to[F1 an electronic communications code operator] for the purpose of paragraph 4 or 6, work requisite to put an end to, or prevent, the arising of circumstances which are likely to cause

  (i)

  danger to persons or property, or

  (ii)

  the interruption of any service provided by the[F1 electronic communications network] of the operator;

• “plan” includes section;

• “planning permission” means planning permission under [F2 Part 3 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011];

• Definition rep. by 2003 c. 21

• Definition rep. by 1995 NI 19

• “sewer” means a sewer as defined in the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order [F3 2006];

• [F4 “street” has the same meaning as in the Street Works (Northern Ireland) Order 1995;]

• Definition rep. by 2003 c. 21

• Definition rep. by 2003 c. 21

(2) In this Schedule, references to the alteration of any apparatus include references to the moving, removal or replacement of the apparatus.

(3) For the purposes of paragraphs[F4 3 to 6] and 9(4), “the arbitrator” means the arbitrator appointed by agreement between the parties concerned or, in default of agreement, by the President of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

F1 2003 c. 21

F2 Sch. 4 para. 1(1): words in the definition of "planning permission" substituted (13.2.2015 for certain purposes otherwise 1.4.2015) by Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (c. 25), ss. 252, 254(1), Sch. 6 para. 61 (with s. 211); S.R. 2015/49, arts 2, 3, Sch. 1 (with transitional provisions in Sch. 2)

F3 Word in Sch. 4 para. 1(1) in definition of "sewer" substituted (1.4.2007) by Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3336 (N.I. 21)), arts. 1(2), 308(1), Sch. 12 para. 31(1)(a) (with arts. 8(8), 121(3), 307); S.R. 2007/194, art. 2(2), Sch. 1 Pt. II (subject to art. 3, Sch. 2)

F4 1995 NI 19

Works involving breaking up roads, etc. N.I.

2.—(1)  [F5 Subject to the Street Works (Northern Ireland) Order 1995] and to the following provisions of this paragraph, for any purpose connected with the carrying on of the activities which he is authorised by his licence to carry on, a licence holder may execute— N.I.

(a) the following kinds of works, that is to say, installing under, over, in, on, along or across any[F5 street] and inspecting, maintaining, adjusting, repairing or altering—

(i) any electric lines or electrical plant; and

(ii) any structures for housing or covering any such lines or plant; and

(b) any works requisite for or incidental to the purposes of any works falling within head (a), including for those purposes—

(i) opening or breaking up any[F5 street] or any sewers, drains or tunnels within or under any[F5 street];

(ii) tunnelling or boring under any[F5 street]; and

(iii) removing or using all earth and materials in or under any[F5 street].

(2) Nothing in this paragraph shall empower a licence holder to lay down or place any electric line or electrical plant into, through or against any building, or in any land not dedicated to the public use without the consent of the owners and occupiers thereof, so, however that a licence holder may alter any existing line or works in or under any land where the line or work has been placed under this Order or any other statutory provisions.

Sub‐paras. (3)‐(13) rep. by 1995 NI 19

F5 1995 NI 19

Alteration of apparatus, etc., under roads N.I.

3.—(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), a licence holder may, subject to and in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph unless otherwise agreed upon between the parties, alter the position of— N.I.

(a) any electric line or electrical plant under the control of another licence holder; or

(b) any[F6 electronic communications apparatus] used for the purposes of[F6 an electronic communications network] which is operated by a person to whom the[F6 electronic communications code] applies; or

[F7 (bb) any relevant pipe (within the meaning of Article 219 of the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006) which is under the control of a water undertaker or a sewerage undertaker]

(c) any other apparatus F8 . . . ;

under any[F9 street] which interferes with the exercise of his powers under this Schedule.

(2) In the case of an alteration under this paragraph of any[F6 electronic communications apparatus] installed for the purposes of[F6 an electronic communications network] which is operated by a person to whom the[F6 electronic communications code] applies, [F10 Part 10 of Schedule 3A to the Communications Act 2003 (the electronic communications code)] will apply instead of sub-paragraphs (3) to (14).

(3) One month before commencing the alterations, except where the alterations are emergency works, the licence holder shall—

(a) serve a notice on the person for the time being entitled to the electric lines or electrical plant [F11 pipe or apparatus] (in this paragraph referred to as “the owners”) describing the proposed alterations; and

(b) give any further information required by the owners.

(4) The notice mentioned in sub-paragraph (3) shall contain a plan showing the manner in which it is intended that the alterations shall be made.

(5) Within 3 weeks from the service of the notice mentioned in sub-paragraph (3) upon any owners, the owners may require, by requisition served on the licence holder, that any question arising upon the notice as to the works, or to compensation in respect thereof, or any other question shall, in default of agreement, be determined by arbitration.

(6) Where—

(a) no requisition is served on the licence holder; or

(b) after any requisition has been served, any question required to be determined by arbitration has been so determined;

the licence holder may, upon paying or securing any compensation which he may be required to pay or secure, carry out the alterations specified in the notice, but subject in all respects to the provisions of this Schedule, and only in accordance with the notice served by him or such modifications thereof respectively as may have been determined by arbitration, or as may be agreed upon between the parties.

(7) At any time before the licence holder is entitled to commence any such alterations, the owners may serve a notice on the licence holder, stating that they desire to execute the alterations, and where any such notice has been served on the licence holder, he shall not be entitled to execute the alterations, except—

(a) where the licence holder has required the owners to execute the alterations, and the owners have refused or neglected to comply; or

(b) where the alterations are emergency works.

(8) Where a notice such as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (7) has been served on the licence holder, he shall, not more than 48 hours and not less than 24 hours before the execution of the alterations is required to be commenced, serve on the owners a requisition stating the time when the alterations are required to be commenced, and the manner in which the alterations are required to be made.

(9) Upon receipt of any requisition, the owners may execute the alterations as required by the licence holder, subject to the restrictions and conditions, so far as they are applicable, to which the licence holder would be subject in executing the alterations.

(10) If the owners decline or, for 24 hours after the time when any such alterations are required to be commenced, neglect to comply with the requisition, the licence holder may execute the alterations in like manner as he might have done if notice had not been served on him under sub-paragraph (7) by the owners.

(11) Where any alterations are emergency works the licence holder may execute them without serving any requisition on the owners; but in that case the licence holder shall, within 24 hours after commencing to execute the alterations, give information thereof in writing to the owners.

(12) All expenses properly incurred by any owners in complying with any requisition of the licence holder under sub-paragraph (8) shall be a debt recoverable summarily by them from the licence holder.

Sub‐para. (13) rep. 1995 NI 19

(14) If the licence holder commences the execution of any work in contravention of sub-paragraph (3)(a), he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

F6 2003 c. 21

F7 Sch. 4 para. 3(1)(bb) inserted (1.4.2007) by Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3336 (N.I. 21)), arts. 1(2), 308(1), Sch. 12 para. 31(1)(b) (with arts. 8(8), 121(3), 307); S.R. 2007/194, art. 2(2), Sch. 1 Pt. II (subject to art. 3, Sch. 2)

F8 Words in Sch. 4 para. 3(1)(c) repealed (1.4.2007) by Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3336 (N.I. 21)), arts. 1(2), 308(2), Sch. 13 (with arts. 8(8), 121(3), 307); S.R. 2007/194, art. 2(2), Sch. 1 Pt. II (subject to art. 3, Sch. 2)

F9 1995 NI 19

F10 Words in Sch. 4 para. 3(2) substituted (28.12.2017) by Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), s. 118(6), Sch. 3 para. 32; S.I. 2017/1286, reg. 2(d)

F11 Words in Sch. 4 para. 3(3)(a) substituted (1.4.2007) by Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3336 (N.I. 21)), arts. 1(2), 308(1), Sch. 12 para. 31(1)(c) (with arts. 8(8), 121(3), 307); S.R. 2007/194, art. 2(2), Sch. 1 Pt. II (subject to art. 3, Sch. 2)

Alteration of electric lines or electrical plant under roads N.I.

4.—(1) A government department, [F12 electronic communications code operator], or other person (not being another licence holder) authorised under any statutory provision to exercise functions in relation to a[F13 street] may, subject to and in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph unless otherwise agreed upon between the parties, alter the position of any electric line or electrical plant under the control of a licence holder under that[F13 street] which interferes with the exercise of those functions. N.I.

(2) Sub-paragraphs (3) to (13) of paragraph 3 shall apply for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) of this paragraph as if—

(a) any reference to the licence holder were a reference to the government department,[F12 electronic communications code operator] or other person, as the case may require; and

(b) any reference to the owners were a reference to the licence holder.

(3) If the[F12 electronic communications code operator] or, as the case may be, the other person commences the execution of any work in contravention of paragraph 3(3)(a) as applied by sub-paragraph (2) of this paragraph, he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

F12 2003 c. 21

F13 1995 NI 19

Controlled works in a [F14 street] near to apparatus N.I.

F14 1995 NI 19

5.—(1) The following provisions of this paragraph apply where a licence holder requires to carry out any controlled works in a [F15 street] near to— N.I.

(a) any electric lines or electrical plant of any other licence holder; or

(b) any[F16 electronic communications apparatus] which is operated by a person to whom the[F16 electronic communications code] applies; and

(c) any other apparatus belonging to or under the jurisdiction or control of a government department or other person (not being a licence holder).

Sub‐paras. (2), (3) rep. 1995 NI 19

(4) Where the licence holder finds it necessary to undermine but not alter the position of any owners' electric line, electrical plant,[F16 electronic communications apparatus] or other apparatus he shall temporarily support it in position during the execution of the works, and before completion provide a suitable and proper foundation for it where so undermined.

(5) Where a licence holder lays any electric line crossing or liable to touch any apparatus belonging to [F17 a water undertaker or sewerage undertaker] or to any gas undertaking, the conducting portion of the electric line shall be effectively insulated in a manner approved by the Department, and the licence holder shall not, except with the consent of the [F18 water undertaker or sewerage undertaker] or, as the case may be, the gas undertaking, and of the Department—

(a) lay the electric lines so as to come into contact with the apparatus; or

(b) use the apparatus in connection with the supply of electricity.

(6) Any question arising under this paragraph shall, in default of agreement, be determined by arbitration.

Sub‐paras. (7), (8) rep. by 1995 NI 19

[F15 (9) In this paragraph “owners” means any of the persons mentioned in paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of sub‐paragraph (1).]

F15 1995 NI 19

F16 2003 c. 21

F17 Words in Sch. 4 para. 5(5) substituted (1.4.2007) by Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3336 (N.I. 21)), arts. 1(2), 308(1), Sch. 12 para. 31(1)(d) (with arts. 8(8), 121(3), 307); S.R. 2007/194, art. 2(2), Sch. 1 Pt. II (subject to art. 3, Sch. 2)

F18 Words in Sch. 4 para. 5(5) substituted (1.4.2007) by Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3336 (N.I. 21)), arts. 1(2), 308(1), Sch. 12 para. 31(1)(d) (with arts. 8(8), 121(3), 307); S.R. 2007/194, art. 2(2), Sch. 1 Pt. II (subject to art. 3, Sch. 2)

Works in a [F19 street] near to electric lines or electrical plant N.I.

F19 1995 NI 19

6.—(1) The following provisions of this paragraph apply where a government department, [F20 electronic communications code operator] or other person (not being a licence holder) requires to carry out any works in a[F21 street] for laying down or constructing any[F20 electronic communications apparatus] or other apparatus near to any electric lines or electrical plant of a licence holder. N.I.

(2) Sub-paragraphs[F21 (4) to (6)] of paragraph 5 shall apply for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) of this paragraph as if—

(a) any reference to the licence holder were a reference to the government department,[F20 electronic communications code operator] or other person, as the case may require; and

(b) any reference to the owners were a reference to the licence holder.

Sub‐para. (3) rep. by 1995 NI 19

F20 2003 c. 21

F21 1995 NI 19

Para. 7 rep. by 1995 NI 19

Emergency works N.I.

8.—(1) Where any person would be required to serve any notice in respect of any works under [F22 paragraph 3 or 4] if the works were not emergency works, that person shall serve a notice in respect of the emergency works as soon as practicable after commencing the works. N.I.

(2) Failure to serve the notice required by sub-paragraph (1) shall be treated as a contravention of a requirement of the paragraph under which a notice would be required if the works were not emergency works.

F22 1995 NI 19

Protection from interference N.I.

9.—(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), a licence holder who installs or alters, or changes the mode of operation of, any electric line or electrical plant shall take all reasonable precautions for securing that the operation of that line or plant does not interfere with the operation of any [F23 electronic communications apparatus] which— N.I.

(a) is under the control of a person to whom the[F23 electronic communications code] applies; and

(b) is not unusually sensitive to interference with its operation.

(2) In the case of any[F23 electronic communications apparatus] which is subsequently installed or altered or whose mode of operation is subsequently changed, the duty imposed by sub-paragraph (1) shall not apply in relation to—

(a) any momentary interference with its operation; or

(b) where it is installed in unreasonably close proximity to the electric line or electrical plant, any other interference with its operation.

(3) Sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be read as also applying in the converse case of a person to whom the[F23 electronic communications code] applies who installs or alters, or changes the mode of operation of, any[F23 electronic communications apparatus], and in such a case shall have effect as if—

(a) any reference to the licence holder were a reference to that person;

(b) any reference to an electric line or electrical plant were a reference to such apparatus; and

(c) any reference to such apparatus under the control of a person to whom that code applies were a reference to such a line or such plant under the control of a licence holder.

(4) Any difference arising under this paragraph between a licence holder and a person to whom the[F23 electronic communications code] applies shall be determined by arbitration.

(5) In this paragraph “momentary interference” means any interference of momentary duration which is not a regular occurrence (whether caused by physical contact or otherwise).

F23 2003 c. 21

Acquisition of wayleaves N.I.

10.—(1) This paragraph applies where— N.I.

(a) for any purpose connected with the carrying on of the activities which he is authorised by his licence to carry on, it is necessary or expedient for a licence holder to install and keep installed an electric line on, under or over any land; and

(b) the owner or occupier of the land, having been given a notice under sub-paragraph (3),—

(i) has failed to give the wayleave before the end of that period; or

(ii) has given the wayleave subject to terms and conditions to which the licence holder objects;

and in this paragraph as it so applies “the necessary wayleave” means consent for the licence holder to install and keep installed the electric line on, under or over the land and to have access to the land for the purpose of inspecting, maintaining, adjusting, repairing or altering the electric line.

(2) This paragraph also applies where—

(a) for any purpose connected with the carrying on of the activities which he is authorised by his licence to carry on, it is necessary or expedient for a licence holder to keep an electric line installed on, under or over any land; and

(b) the owner or occupier of the land has given notice to the licence holder under paragraph 12(2) requiring him to remove the electric line;

and in this paragraph as it so applies “the necessary wayleave” means consent for the licence holder to keep the electric line installed on, under or over the land and to have access to the land for the purpose of inspecting, maintaining, adjusting, repairing or altering the electric line.

(3) The notice referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(b) shall—

(a) state the licence holder's intention to install an electric line;

(b) give a description of the nature of the line and of the position and manner in which it is intended to be installed; and

(c) require the owner or occupier of the land to give the necessary wayleave within a period (not being less than 21 days) specified in the notice.

(4) Subject to sub-paragraphs (5) to (7), the Department may, on the application of the licence holder, grant the necessary wayleave subject to such terms and conditions as the Department thinks fit; and a necessary wayleave so granted shall, unless previously terminated in accordance with a term contained in the wayleave, continue in force for such period as may be specified in the wayleave.

(5) Subject to sub-paragraph (6), the Department shall not grant a wayleave under sub-paragraph (4) in any case where—

(a) the land is covered by a dwelling, or will be so covered on the assumption that any planning permission which is in force is acted on; and

(b) the line is to be installed on or over the land.

(6) Sub-paragraph (5) shall not apply to any land in respect of which a wayleave has been given before the coming into operation of that sub-paragraph.

(7) Before granting a necessary wayleave, the Department shall afford—

(a) the occupier of the land; and

(b) where the occupier is not also the owner of the land, the owner,

an opportunity of being heard by a person appointed by the Department.

(8) A necessary wayleave granted under this paragraph shall bind any person who is at any time the owner or occupier of the land.

(9) Where in pursuance of a necessary wayleave granted under this paragraph a licence holder has erected on any land supports for an electric line, he shall be deemed to have an estate in that land for the purposes of section 40 of the Mineral Development Act (Northern Ireland) 1969F24 .

(10) In this paragraph “dwelling” means a building or part of a building occupied, or (if not occupied) last occupied or intended to be occupied, as a private dwelling and includes any garden, yard, outhouses and appurtenances belonging to or usually enjoyed with that building or part.

F24 1969 c. 35 (NI)

[F25 Assignment of necessary wayleave N.I.

F25 2003 NI 6

10A.— (1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, a necessary wayleave granted under paragraph 10 shall be capable of being assigned if (and only if)— N.I.

(a) in the case of a wayleave granted after the coming into operation of Article 64 of the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, a term to that effect is included in the wayleave;

(b) in the case of a wayleave granted before that time, it is designated by the Department on an application made by the relevant licence holder.

(2) A necessary wayleave shall not be assigned—

(a) without the consent of the Department; or

(b) to a person other than a licence holder.

(3) The relevant licence holder shall—

(a) give notice of an application under sub‐paragraph (1)(b) to—

(i) the occupier of the land; and

(ii) where the occupier is not also the owner of the land, the owner; and

(b) send a copy of that notice to the Department, together with the name and address of each person to whom that notice has been given.

(4) The notice under sub‐paragraph (3) shall—

(a) identify the wayleave and state that an application in respect of it has been made to the Department under sub‐paragraph (1)(b); and

(b) specify a period (not being less than 28 days from the date on which the notice is given) during which representations or objections concerning the application may be made to the Department.

(5) Before determining whether to designate a wayleave in pursuance of an application under sub‐paragraph (1)(b), the Department shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made as mentioned in sub‐paragraph (4)(b) and not withdrawn.

(6) The Department shall give notice of its decision on an application under sub‐paragraph (1)(b) to—

(a) the licence holder; and

(b) each person mentioned in sub‐paragraph (3)(b).

(7) In this paragraph—

• “assign” includes transfer by any means;

• “relevant licence holder”, in relation to a necessary wayleave, means the licence holder to whom the wayleave was granted or to whom it has been assigned.

(8) In paragraphs 11 and 12 references to a licence holder include references to a licence holder to whom a wayleave has been assigned.]

Provisions supplementary to paragraph 10 N.I.

11.—(1) Where a wayleave is granted to a licence holder under paragraph 10— N.I.

(a) the occupier of the land; and

(b) where the occupier is not also the owner of the land, the owner,

may recover from the licence holder compensation in respect of the grant.

(2) Where in the exercise of any right conferred by such a wayleave any damage is caused to property, the licence holder shall make good or pay compensation in respect of that damage; and where in consequence of the exercise of such a right a person is disturbed in his enjoyment of any property the licence holder shall pay compensation in respect of that disturbance.

(3) Compensation under this paragraph may be recovered as a lump sum or by periodical payments or partly in one way and partly in the other.

(4) Any question of disputed compensation under this paragraph shall be referred to and determined by the Lands Tribunal; and Articles 4 and 5 of the Land Compensation (Northern Ireland) Order 1982F26 shall apply to any such determination.

F26 1982 NI 9

Temporary continuation of wayleaves N.I.

12.—(1) This paragraph applies where at any time such a wayleave as is mentioned in paragraph 10 (whether granted under that paragraph or by agreement between the parties)— N.I.

(a) is determined by the expiration of a period specified in the wayleave;

(b) is terminated by the owner or occupier of the land in accordance with a term contained in the wayleave; or

(c) by reason of a change in the ownership or occupation of the land after the granting of the wayleave, ceases to be binding on the owner or occupier of the land.

(2) The owner or occupier of the land may—

(a) in a case falling within sub-paragraph (1)(a), at any time after or within 3 months before the end of the period specified in the wayleave;

(b) in a case falling within sub-paragraph (1)(b), at any time after the wayleave has been terminated by him; or

(c) in a case falling within sub-paragraph (1)(c), at any time after becoming the owner or occupier of the land by virtue of such a change in the ownership or occupation of the land as is mentioned in that sub-paragraph,

give to the licence holder a notice requiring him to remove the electric line from the land; but the licence holder shall not be obliged to comply with such a notice except in the circumstances and to the extent provided by the following provisions of this paragraph.

(3) Where within the period of 3 months from the date of the notice under sub-paragraph (2) the licence holder makes neither—

(a) an application for the grant of the necessary wayleave under paragraph 10; nor

(b) an application for a vesting order under paragraph 1 of Schedule 3 in respect of the land,

the licence holder shall comply with the notice at the end of that period.

(4) Where—

(a) within the period mentioned in sub-paragraph (3) the licence holder makes an application for the grant of the necessary wayleave under paragraph 10; and

(b) that application is refused by the Department,

the licence holder shall comply with the notice under sub-paragraph (2) at the end of the period of one month from the date of the Department's decision or such longer period as the Department may specify.

(5) Where—

(a) within the period mentioned in sub-paragraph (3) the licence holder makes an application for a vesting order under paragraph 1 of Schedule 3 in respect of the land; and

(b) that order is not made by the Department,

the licence holder shall comply with the notice under sub-paragraph (2) at the end of the period of one month from the date of the Department's decision or such longer period as the Department may specify.

Substations N.I.

13.—(1) This paragraph applies where— N.I.

(a) under an agreement made before 1 April 1982, a transformer substation or a switching substation not exceeding 33 kilovolts nominal capacity was installed and kept installed on any land; and

(b) for any purpose connected with the carrying on of the activities which he is authorised by his licence to carry on, it is necessary or expedient for a licence holder to keep that substation installed on that land; and

(c) the agreement—

(i) is determined by the expiration of the period specified in the agreement;

(ii) is terminated by the owner or occupier of the land in accordance with a term contained in the agreement; or

(iii) by reason of a change in the ownership or occupation of the land after the granting of the agreement, ceases to be binding on the owner or occupier of the land.

(2) The owner or occupier of the land may—

(a) in a case falling within sub-paragraph (1)(c)(i), at any time after or within 3 months before the end of the period specified in the agreement;

(b) in a case falling within sub-paragraph (1)(c)(ii), at any time after the agreement has been terminated by him; or

(c) in a case falling within sub-paragraph (1)(c)(iii), at any time after becoming the owner or occupier of the land by virtue of such a change in the ownership or occupation of the land as is mentioned in that sub-paragraph,

give to the licence holder a notice requiring him to remove the substation from the land; but the licence holder shall not be obliged to comply with such a notice except in the circumstances and to the extent provided by the following provisions of this paragraph.

(3) Where—

(a) within the period of 3 months from the date of the notice under sub-paragraph (2) the licence holder makes an application for a vesting order under paragraph 1 of Schedule 3 in respect of the land; and

(b) that order is not made by the Department,

the licence holder shall comply with the notice under sub-paragraph (2) at the end of the period of one month from the date of the Department's decision or such longer period as the Department may specify.

(4) Where in compliance with a notice under this paragraph any damage is caused to property by the removal of any substation, the licence holder shall make good or pay compensation in respect of that damage.

(5) Any question of disputed compensation under this paragraph shall be referred to and determined by the Lands Tribunal; and Articles 4 and 5 of the Land Compensation (Northern Ireland) Order 1982F27 shall apply to any such determination.

F27 1982 NI 9

Felling and lopping of trees, etc. N.I.

14.—(1) This paragraph applies where any tree is or will be in such close proximity to an electric line or electrical plant which is kept installed or is being or is to be installed by a licence holder as— N.I.

(a) to obstruct or interfere with the installation, maintenance or working of the line or plant; or

(b) to constitute an unacceptable source of danger (whether to children or to other persons);

and in this paragraph “the land” means the land on which the tree is growing.

(2) The licence holder may give notice to the occupier of the land requiring him to fell or lop the tree or cut back its roots so as to prevent it from having the effect mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(a) or (b), subject to the payment to him by the licence holder of the expenses reasonably incurred by him in complying with the notice.

(3) Where the occupier is not also the owner of the land, a copy of any notice under sub-paragraph (2) shall also be served on the owner.

(4) If within 21 days from the giving of a notice under sub-paragraph (2)—

(a) the requirements of the notice are not complied with; and

(b) neither the owner nor occupier of the land gives a counter notice under sub-paragraph (5),

the licence holder may cause the tree to be felled or lopped or its roots to be cut back so as to prevent it from having the effect mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(a) or (b).

(5) If, within 21 days from the giving of a notice under sub-paragraph (2), the owner or occupier of the land gives a counter notice to the licence holder objecting to the requirements of the notice, the matter shall, unless the counter notice is withdrawn, be referred to the Department.

(6) On a reference under sub-paragraph (5), the Department, after giving the parties an opportunity of being heard by a person appointed by the Department, may make such order as the Department thinks just, and any such order—

(a) may empower the licence holder (after giving such notice to any person by whom a counter notice was given of the commencement of the work as the order may direct) to cause the tree to be felled or lopped or its roots to be cut back so as to prevent it from having the effect mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(a) or (b); and

(b) may determine any question as to what expenses (if any) are to be paid.

(7) Where the licence holder exercises any powers conferred under sub-paragraph (4) or (6), he shall—

(a) cause trees to be felled or lopped or their roots to be cut back in accordance with good arboricultural practice and so as to do as little damage as possible to trees, fences, hedges and growing crops;

(b) cause felled trees, lopped boughs or root cuttings to be removed in accordance with the directions of the owner or occupier.

(8) In this paragraph “tree” includes any shrub and references to felling or lopping, felled trees or lopped boughs shall be construed accordingly.

Entry on land for purposes of exploration N.I.

15.—(1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph and without prejudice to any other right of entry, for the purpose of ascertaining whether the land would be suitable for use for any purpose connected with the carrying on of the activities which the licence holder is authorised by his licence to carry on, a person authorised in writing by a licence holder may, at any reasonable time, enter the land for the purpose of survey and valuation. N.I.

(2) A person authorised to enter upon any land under this paragraph shall not demand to do so as of right unless—

(a) 14 days' notice of the intended entry has been given to the occupier; and

(b) if required to do so, he has produced evidence of his authority.

(3) The powers conferred by this paragraph shall not be exercisable in relation to—

(a) land which is covered by a dwelling or will be so covered on the assumption that any planning permission which is in force is acted on; or

(b) land which is covered by a building (other than a dwelling) or will be so covered on the assumption that any planning permission which is in force is acted on except—

(i) with consent given by or on behalf of the occupier of the land; or

(ii) where the occupier has refused his consent, with the consent of the Department.

(4) The power to survey land conferred by this paragraph includes power to search and bore for the purpose of ascertaining the nature of the subsoil; but works may not be carried out on the land for this purpose unless—

(a) notice of the proposed works is included in the notice given under sub-paragraph (2); and

(b) where land is held by statutory undertakers who object to the works on the ground that the carrying out of the works would be seriously detrimental to the carrying on of their undertaking, with the consent of the Department.

[F28 (4A) Where it is proposed to search or bore in pursuance of this paragraph in a street within the meaning of the Street Works (Northern Ireland) Order 1995—

(a) Article 15 of that Order (notice of starting date of works), so far as it requires notice to be given to a person having apparatus in the street which is likely to be affected by the works,

(b) Article 29 of that Order (requirements to be complied with where works likely to affect another person's apparatus in the street), and

(c) Article 42 of that Order (liability for damage or loss caused),

have effect in relation to the searching or boring as if they were street works within the meaning of that Order.]

(5) In this paragraph—

• “building”, except in the definition of “dwelling”, includes any garden, yard, outhouses and appurtenances belonging to or usually enjoyed with a building;

• “dwelling” means a building or part of a building occupied, or (if not occupied) last occupied or intended to be occupied, as a private dwelling;

• “statutory undertakers” has the same meaning as in [F29 the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011].

F28 1995 NI 19

F29 Sch. 4 para. 15(5): words in the definition of "statutory undertakers" substituted (13.2.2015 for certain purposes otherwise 1.4.2015) by Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (c. 25), ss. 252, 254(1), Sch. 6 para. 62 (with s. 211); S.R. 2015/49, arts 2, 3, Sch. 1 (with transitional provisions in Sch. 2)

Provisions supplementary to paragraphs 14 and 15 N.I.

16.—(1) Any person who intentionally obstructs a person acting in the exercise of any power conferred by or under paragraph 14 or 15 shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale. N.I.

(2) Where in the exercise of any power conferred by or under paragraph 14 or 15 any damage is caused to property the licence holder shall make good or pay compensation in respect of that damage; and where in consequence of the exercise of such a power a person is disturbed in his enjoyment of any property the licence holder shall pay compensation in respect of that disturbance.

(3) Any question of disputed compensation under sub-paragraph (2) shall be referred to and determined by the Lands Tribunal; and Articles 4 and 5 of the Land Compensation (Northern Ireland) Order 1982F30 shall apply to any such determination.

F30 1982 NI 9

Modification of paragraphs 2 to 9 N.I.

17.  The provisions of paragraphs 2 to 9 may be modified by regulations. N.I.