Retained apparatus: protection Gas UndertakersE+W
19.—(1) The promoter must provide technical information relevant to any specified works to National Grid as soon as reasonably practicable after it becomes available, and will seek to liaise with National Grid as early as reasonably practicable regarding the specified works.
(2) Not less than 56 days before the commencement of any specified works the promoter must submit to National Grid a plan and, if reasonably required by National Grid, a ground monitoring scheme in respect of those works.
(3) The plan to be submitted to National Grid under sub-paragraph (2) 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 etc;
(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; and
(f)any intended maintenance regimes.
(4) The promoter must not commence any works to which sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) apply 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-paragraphs (6) or (8); and,
(b)must not be unreasonably withheld.
(6) In relation to any work to which sub-paragraphs (2) and/or (3) apply, 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 provided that such modifications are requested by National Grid within a period of 56 days, unless otherwise agreed between the parties, beginning with the date on which the plan under sub-paragraph (2) is submitted to it. For the avoidance of doubt, provided that any further iterations of the plan submitted to National Grid for approval as a result of modifications required under this paragraph are not materially different to the modifications previously made by National Grid, any further required modifications will be made by the promoter as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter and in any event within 56 days of receipt of any further plans.
(7) Works to which this paragraph applies must only be executed in accordance with the plan, submitted under sub-paragraph (2) or as relevant sub paragraph (6), as approved or as amended from time to time by agreement between the promoter and National Grid and in accordance with 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 National Grid requires any protective works to be carried out by itself or by the promoter (whether of a temporary or permanent nature) such protective works, inclusive of any measures or schemes required and approved as part of the plan approved pursuant to this paragraph, must be carried out to National Grids’ reasonable satisfaction prior to the commencement of any authorised works (or any relevant part thereof) for which protective works are required and National Grid must give 56 days’ notice of such works from the date of submission of a plan pursuant to sub-paragraph (2) or (3) (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 12 to 14 and 17 to 19 apply as if the removal of the apparatus had been required by the promoter under paragraph 17(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 authorised works, a new plan, instead of the plan previously submitted, and having done so the provisions of this paragraph will apply to and in respect of the new plan.
(11) The promoter will not be required to comply with sub-paragraph (2) 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 must—
(a)comply with sub-paragraphs (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 the promoter must comply with National Grid’s policies for safe working in proximity to gas apparatus “Specification for safe working in the vicinity of National Grid, High pressure Gas pipelines and associated installation requirements for third parties T/SP/SSW22” and HSE’s “HS(~G)47 Avoiding Danger from underground services”.
(13) As soon as reasonably practicable after any ground subsidence event attributable to the authorised development the promoter must implement an appropriate ground mitigation scheme save that National Grid retains the right to carry out any further necessary protective works for the safeguarding of its apparatus and can recover any such costs in line with paragraph 21.
Commencement Information
I1Sch. 17 para. 19 in force at 1.1.2022, see art. 1