The Portishead Branch Line (MetroWest Phase 1) Order 2022

PART 8 For the protection of National Grid as electricity undertaker

Application

89.  For the protection of National Grid the following provisions of this Part of this Schedule have effect, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the undertaker and National Grid.

Interpretation

90.  In this Part of this Schedule—

“1991 Act” means the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991;

“2016 Order” means the National Grid (Hinkley Point C Connection Project) Order 2016 as amended;

“alternative apparatus” means appropriate alternative apparatus to the satisfaction of National Grid to enable it to fulfil its statutory functions in a manner no less efficient than previously;

“apparatus” means electric lines or electrical plant as defined in the Electricity Act 1989, belonging to or maintained by National Grid, together with any replacement apparatus and such other apparatus constructed that becomes operational apparatus of National Grid for the purposes of transmission, distribution and/or supply and includes any structure in which apparatus is or will be lodged or which gives or will give access to apparatus;

“authorised works” has the same meaning as is given to the term “authorised development” in article 2 of this Order and includes any associated development authorised by the Order and for the purposes of this Part of this Schedule includes the use and maintenance of the authorised works and construction of any works authorised by this Schedule;

“commence” has the same meaning as in article 2 of this Order and commencement shall be construed to have the same meaning;

“deed of consent” means a deed of consent, crossing agreement, deed of variation or new deed of grant agreed between the parties acting reasonably in order to vary and/or replace existing easements, agreements, enactments and other such interests so as to secure land rights and interests as are necessary to carry out, maintain, operate and use the apparatus in a manner consistent with the terms of this Part of this Schedule;

“functions” includes powers and duties;

“ground mitigation scheme” means a scheme approved by the undertaker (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) setting out the necessary measures (if any) for a ground subsidence event;

“ground monitoring scheme” means a scheme for monitoring ground subsidence which sets out the apparatus which is to be subject to such monitoring, the extent of land to be monitored, the manner in which ground levels are to be monitored, the timescales of any monitoring activities and the extent of ground subsidence which, if exceeded, shall require the undertaker to submit for National Grid’s approval a ground mitigation scheme;

“ground subsidence event” means any ground subsidence identified by the monitoring activities set out in the ground monitoring scheme that has exceeded the level described in the ground monitoring scheme as requiring a ground mitigation scheme;

“in” in a context referring to apparatus or alternative apparatus in land includes a reference to apparatus or alternative apparatus under, over, across, along or upon such land;

“maintain” and “maintenance” shall include the ability and right to do any of the following in relation to any apparatus or alternative apparatus of National Grid including construct, use, repair, alter, inspect, renew or remove the apparatus;

“National Grid” means National Grid Electricity Transmission plc (registered company number 02366977);

“plan” or “plans” include all designs, drawings, specifications, method statements, soil reports, programmes, calculations, risk assessments and other documents that are reasonably necessary properly and sufficiently to describe and assess the works to be executed;

“specified works” means any of the authorised works or activities undertaken in association with the authorised works which—

(a)

will or may be situated over, or within 15 metres measured in any direction of any existing apparatus the removal of which has not been required by the undertaker under paragraph 93(2) or otherwise; and/or

(b)

may in any way adversely affect any existing apparatus the removal of which has not been required by the undertaker under paragraph 95(3) or otherwise;

“undertaker” means the undertaker as defined in article 2 of this Order.

91.  Except for paragraphs 94 (apparatus of National Grid in stopped up streets), 98 (retained apparatus), 99 (expenses) and 100 (indemnity) of this Part of this Schedule which will apply in respect of the exercise of all or any powers under the Order affecting the rights and apparatus of National Grid, the other provisions of this Part of this Schedule do not apply to apparatus in respect of which the relations between the undertaker and National Grid are regulated by the provisions of Part 3 of the 1991 Act.

92.  The provisions of Part 2 of this Schedule do not apply in relation to National Grid or any apparatus of National Grid.

93.—(1) The undertaker and National Grid will co-operate and work together to secure that the works proposed to be carried out by National Grid under the powers of the 2016 Order and the authorised works to be carried out by the undertaker under this Order will so far as reasonably possible be programmed, and arrangements for the carrying out, use and maintenance of those works will be made, so as, so far as reasonably possible, to avoid undue delay or any conflict arising between the carrying out, use and maintenance of those proposed works and carrying out, use and maintenance of the authorised development.

(2) Any consent, agreement or approval by National Grid or the undertaker under this Part of this Schedule must not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

Apparatus of National Grid in stopped up streets

94.—(1) Without prejudice to the generality of any other protection afforded to National Grid elsewhere in the Order, where any street is stopped up under article 14 (permanent stopping up of streets), if National Grid has any apparatus in the street or accessed via that street National Grid will be entitled to the same rights in respect of such apparatus as it enjoyed immediately before the stopping up and the undertaker will grant to National Grid, or will procure the granting to National Grid of, legal easements reasonably satisfactory to it in respect of such apparatus and access to it prior to the stopping up of any such street or highway.

(2) Notwithstanding the temporary stopping up or diversion of any highway under the powers of article 15 (temporary stopping up of streets and public rights of way), National Grid will be at liberty at all times to take all necessary access across any such stopped up highway and/or to execute and do all such works and things in, upon or under any such highway as may be reasonably necessary or desirable to enable it to maintain any apparatus which at the time of the stopping up or diversion was in that highway.

Acquisition of land

95.—(1) Regardless of any provision in this Order or anything shown on the land plans or contained in the book of reference to the Order, the undertaker may not acquire or extinguish any land interest or apparatus or override any easement and/or other interest of National Grid, including any rights contained in the 2016 Order, otherwise than by agreement.

(2) As a condition of agreement between the parties in sub-paragraph (1), prior to the carrying out of any part of the authorised works (or in such other timeframe as may be agreed between National Grid and the undertaker) that are subject to the requirements of this Part of this Schedule that will cause any conflict with or breach the terms of any easement and/or other legal or land interest of National Grid and/or affects the provisions of any enactment or agreement regulating the relations between National Grid and the undertaker in respect of any apparatus laid or erected in land belonging to or secured by the undertaker, the undertaker must as National Grid reasonably requires enter into such deeds of consent upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed between National Grid and the undertaker acting reasonably and which must be no less favourable on the whole to National Grid unless otherwise agreed by National Grid, and it will be the responsibility of the undertaker to procure and/or secure the consent and entering into of such deeds and variations by all other third parties with an interest in the land at that time who are affected by such authorised works.

(3) The undertaker and National Grid agree that where there is any inconsistency or duplication between the provisions set out in this Part of this Schedule relating to the relocation and/or removal of apparatus (including but not limited to the payment of costs and expenses relating to such relocation and/or removal of apparatus) and the provisions of any existing easement, rights, agreements and licences granted, used, enjoyed or exercised by National Grid and/or other enactments relied upon by National Grid as of right or other use in relation to the apparatus, then the provisions in this Part of this Schedule shall prevail.

(4) Any agreement or consent granted by National Grid under paragraph 98 or any other paragraph of this Part of this Schedule, shall not be taken to constitute agreement under paragraph 95(1).

Removal of existing apparatus

96.—(1) If, in the exercise of the agreement reached in accordance with paragraph 95 or in any other authorised manner, the undertaker acquires any interest in any land in which any apparatus is placed or requires that National Grid’s apparatus is relocated or diverted, that apparatus must not be removed under this Part of this Schedule and any right of National Grid to maintain that apparatus in that land must not be extinguished, until alternative apparatus has been constructed, and is in operation to the reasonable satisfaction of National Grid in accordance with sub-paragraphs (2) to (5) inclusive.

(2) If, for the purpose of executing any works in, on, under or over any land purchased, held, appropriated or used under this Order, the undertaker requires the removal of any apparatus placed in that land, it must give to National Grid 56 days’ advance written notice of that requirement, together with a plan of the work proposed, and of the proposed position of the alternative apparatus to be provided or constructed and in that case (or if in consequence of the exercise of any of the powers conferred by this Order National Grid reasonably needs to remove any of its apparatus) the undertaker must, subject to sub-paragraph (3), afford to National Grid to its satisfaction (taking into account paragraph 97(1)) the necessary facilities and rights for the construction of alternative apparatus in other land of or land secured by the undertaker and subsequently for the maintenance of that apparatus.

(3) If alternative apparatus or any part of such apparatus is to be constructed elsewhere than in other land of or land secured by the undertaker, or the undertaker is unable to afford such facilities and rights as are mentioned in sub-paragraph (2), in the land in which the alternative apparatus or part of such apparatus is to be constructed, National Grid must, as soon as is reasonably possible and on receipt of a written notice to that effect from the undertaker, take such steps as are reasonable in the circumstances in an endeavour to obtain the necessary facilities and rights in the land in which the alternative apparatus is to be constructed save that this obligation shall not extend to the requirement for National Grid to use its compulsory purchase powers to this end unless it elects to so do.

(4) Any alternative apparatus to be constructed in land of or land secured by the undertaker under this Part of this Schedule must be constructed in such manner and in such line or situation as may be agreed between National Grid and the undertaker or in default of agreement settled by arbitration in accordance with article 56 (arbitration).

(5) National Grid must, after the alternative apparatus to be provided or constructed has been agreed or settled by arbitration in accordance with article 56, and subject to the grant to National Grid of any such facilities and rights as are referred to in sub-paragraph (2) or (3), proceed without unnecessary delay to construct and bring into operation the alternative apparatus and subsequently to remove any apparatus required by the undertaker to be removed under the provisions of this Part of this Schedule.

Facilities and rights for alternative apparatus

97.—(1) Where, in accordance with the provisions of this Part of this Schedule, the undertaker affords to or secures for National Grid facilities and rights in land for the construction, use, maintenance and protection of alternative apparatus in substitution for apparatus to be removed, those facilities and rights must be granted upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed between the undertaker and National Grid and must be no less favourable on the whole to National Grid than the facilities and rights enjoyed by it in respect of the apparatus to be removed unless otherwise agreed by National Grid.

(2) If the facilities and rights to be afforded by the undertaker and agreed with National Grid under sub-paragraph (1) in respect of any alternative apparatus, and the terms and conditions subject to which those facilities and rights are to be granted, are less favourable on the whole to National Grid than the facilities and rights enjoyed by it in respect of the apparatus to be removed and the terms and conditions to which those facilities and rights are subject, the matter will be referred to arbitration in accordance with paragraph 104 (arbitration) and the arbitrator shall make such provision for the payment of compensation by the undertaker to National Grid as appears to the arbitrator to be reasonable having regard to all the circumstances of the particular case.

Retained apparatus

98.—(1) Not less than 56 days before the commencement of any specified works that are near to, or will or may affect, any apparatus the removal of which has not been required by the undertaker under paragraph 96(2) or otherwise, the undertaker 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.

(2) In relation to specified works which will or may be situated on, over, under or within 15 metres measured in any direction of any existing apparatus, or involve embankment works within 15 metres of any existing apparatus, 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 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 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 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; and

(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-paragraphs (2) or (3) apply until National Grid has given written approval of the plan so submitted.

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

(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) 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 existing apparatus.

(7) Works to which this paragraph applies must only be executed in accordance with the plan, submitted under sub-paragraph (1) or as relevant sub-paragraph (5), as approved or 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-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 undertaker (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 Grid’s satisfaction prior to the commencement of any authorised works (or any relevant part thereof) for which protective works are required and National Grid shall give 56 days’ notice of such works from 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 undertaker, reasonably requires the removal of any existing apparatus and gives written notice to the undertaker of that requirement, paragraphs 89 to 91 and 95 to 97 apply as if the removal of the apparatus had been required by the undertaker under paragraph 96(2).

(10) Nothing in this paragraph precludes 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 the authorised 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 will 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 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 undertaker must comply with National Grid’s policies for development near overhead lines EN43-8 and HSE’s guidance note 6 “Avoidance of Danger from Overhead Lines”.

Expenses

99.—(1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, the undertaker must pay to National Grid on demand all charges, costs and expenses reasonably anticipated or incurred by National Grid in, or in connection with, the inspection, removal, relaying or replacing, alteration or protection of any apparatus or the construction of any new or alternative apparatus which may be required in consequence of the execution of any authorised works as are referred to in this Part of this Schedule including without limitation—

(a) any costs reasonably incurred by or compensation properly paid by National Grid in connection with the acquisition of rights or the exercise of statutory powers for such apparatus including without limitation all costs incurred by National Grid as a consequence of National Grid—

(i) using its own compulsory purchase powers to acquire any necessary rights under paragraph 96(3); or

(ii) exercising any compulsory purchase powers in the Order transferred to or benefitting National Grid;

(b) in connection with the cost of the carrying out of any diversion work or the provision of any alternative apparatus;

(c) the cutting off of any apparatus from any other apparatus or the making safe of redundant apparatus;

(d) the approval of plans;

(e) the carrying out of protective works, plus a capitalised sum to cover the cost of maintaining and renewing permanent protective works; and

(f) the survey of any land, apparatus or works, the inspection and monitoring of works or the installation or removal of any temporary works reasonably necessary in consequence of the execution of any such works referred to in this Part of this Schedule.

(2) There will be deducted from any sum payable under sub-paragraph (1) the value of any apparatus removed under the provisions of this Part of this Schedule and which is not re-used as part of the alternative apparatus, that value being calculated after removal.

(3) If in accordance with the provisions of this Part of this Schedule—

(a) apparatus of better type, of greater capacity or of greater dimensions is placed in substitution for existing apparatus of worse type, of smaller capacity or of smaller dimensions; or

(b) apparatus (whether existing apparatus or apparatus substituted for existing apparatus) is placed at a depth greater than the depth at which the existing apparatus was situated,

and the placing of apparatus of that type or capacity or of those dimensions or the placing of apparatus at that depth, as the case may be, is not agreed by the undertaker or, in default of agreement, is not determined by arbitration in accordance with article 56 (arbitration) to be necessary, then, if such placing involves cost in the construction of works under this Part of this Schedule exceeding that which would have been involved if the apparatus placed had been of the existing type, capacity or dimensions, or at the existing depth, as the case may be, the amount which apart from this sub-paragraph would be payable to National Grid by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) will be reduced by the amount of that excess save where it is not possible in the circumstances to obtain the existing type of apparatus at the same capacity and dimensions or place at the existing depth in which case full costs will be borne by the undertaker.

(4) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (3)—

(a) an extension of apparatus to a length greater than the length of existing apparatus will not be treated as a placing of apparatus of greater dimensions than those of the existing apparatus; and

(b) where the provision of a joint in a pipe or cable is agreed, or is determined to be necessary, the consequential provision of a jointing chamber or of a manhole will be treated as if it also had been agreed or had been so determined.

(5) Any amount which apart from this sub-paragraph would be payable to National Grid in respect of works by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) will, if the works include the placing of apparatus provided in substitution for apparatus placed more than 7 years and 6 months earlier so as to confer on National Grid any financial benefit by deferment of the time for renewal of the apparatus in the ordinary course, be reduced by the amount which represents that benefit.

Indemnity

100.—(1) Subject to sub-paragraphs (2) and (3), if by reason or in consequence of the construction of any such works authorised by this Part of this Schedule or in consequence of the construction, use, maintenance or failure of any of the authorised works by or on behalf of the undertaker or in consequence of any act or default of the undertaker (or any person employed or authorised by him) in the course of carrying out such works, including without limitation works carried out by the undertaker under this Part of this Schedule or any subsidence resulting from any of these works, any damage is caused to any apparatus or alternative apparatus (other than apparatus the repair of which is not reasonably necessary in view of its intended removal for the purposes of the authorised works) or property of National Grid, or there is any interruption in any service provided, or in the supply of any goods, by National Grid, or National Grid becomes liable to pay any amount to any third party, the undertaker will—

(a) bear and pay on demand the cost reasonably incurred by National Grid in making good such damage or restoring the supply; and

(b) indemnify National Grid for any other expenses, loss, demands, proceedings, damages, claims, penalty or costs incurred by or recovered from National Grid, by reason or in consequence of any such damage or interruption or National Grid becoming liable to any third party as aforesaid other than arising from any default of National Grid.

(2) The fact that any act or thing may have been done by National Grid on behalf of the undertaker or in accordance with a plan approved by National Grid or in accordance with any requirement of National Grid or under its supervision will not (unless sub-paragraph (3) applies), excuse the undertaker from liability under the provisions of sub-paragraph (1) unless National Grid fails to carry out and execute the works properly with due care and attention and in a skilful and workman like manner or in a manner that does not accord with the approved plan.

(3) Nothing in sub-paragraph (1) shall impose any liability on the undertaker in respect of any damage or interruption to the extent that it is attributable to the neglect or default of National Grid, its officers, servants, contractors or agents.

(4) National Grid must give the undertaker reasonable notice of any such third party claim or demand and no settlement or compromise must, unless payment is required in connection with a statutory compensation scheme, be made without first consulting the undertaker and considering their representations.

Enactments and agreements

101.  Save to the extent provided for to the contrary elsewhere in this Part of this Schedule or by agreement in writing between National Grid and the undertaker, nothing in this Part of this Schedule shall affect the provisions of any enactment or agreement regulating the relations between the undertaker and National Grid in respect of any apparatus laid or erected in land belonging to the undertaker on the date on which this Order is made.

Co-operation

102.  Where in consequence of the proposed construction of any of the authorised works, the undertaker or National Grid requires the removal of apparatus under paragraph 96(2) or National Grid makes requirements for the protection or alteration of apparatus under paragraph 98, the undertaker shall use its best endeavours to co-ordinate the execution of the works in the interests of safety and the efficient and economic execution of the authorised development and taking into account the need to ensure the safe and efficient operation of National Grid’s undertaking and National Grid shall use its best endeavours to co-operate with the undertaker for that purpose.

Access

103.  If in consequence of the agreement reached in accordance with paragraph 95(1) or the powers granted under this Order the access to any apparatus is materially obstructed, the undertaker must provide such alternative means of access to such apparatus as will enable National Grid to maintain or use the apparatus no less effectively than was possible before such obstruction.

Arbitration

104.  Any difference or dispute arising between the undertaker and National Grid under this Part of this Schedule must, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the undertaker and National Grid, be determined by arbitration in accordance with article 56 (arbitration).

Notices

105.  The plans submitted to National Grid by the undertaker pursuant to paragraph 98 must be sent to National Grid Plant Protection at [e-mail] or such other address as National Grid may from time to time appoint instead for that purpose and notify to the undertaker in writing.