The M54 to M6 Link Road Development Consent Order 2022

PART 4 FOR THE PROTECTION OF NATIONAL GRID AS ELECTRICITY UNDERTAKER

Application

34.—(1) For the protection of National Grid as referred to in this Part of this Schedule the following provisions have effect, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the undertaker and National Grid.

(2) Subject to sub-paragraph (3) or to the extent otherwise agreed in writing between the undertaker and National Grid, where the benefit of this Order is transferred or granted to another person under article 8 (consent to transfer benefit of Order)—

(a) any agreement of the type mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) has effect as if it had been made between National Grid and the transferee or grantee (as the case may be); and

(b) written notice of the transfer or grant must be given to National Grid on or before the date of that transfer or grant.

(3) Sub-paragraph (2) does not apply where the benefit of the Order is transferred or granted to National Grid (but see paragraph 44(3)(b)).

Interpretation

35.  In this Part of this Schedule—

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

“apparatus” means any electric lines or electrical plant as defined in the Electricity Act 1989(1), belonging to or maintained by National Grid together with any replacement apparatus and such other apparatus constructed pursuant to this Order that becomes operational apparatus of National Grid for the purposes of transmission, distribution 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(1) (interpretation) 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” and “commencement” in paragraph 42 (retained apparatus: protection of electrical undertaker) of this Part of this Schedule includes any below ground surveys, monitoring, ground work operations or the receipt and erection of construction plant and equipment,

“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 or replace existing easements, agreements, 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 National Grid (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) setting out the necessary measures (if any) for a ground subsidence event;

“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” includes 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 or any successor as a licence holder within the meaning of Part 1 of the Electricity Act 1989;

“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 apparatus the removal of which has not been required by the undertaker under paragraph 40(2) (removal of apparatus) or otherwise; or

(b)

may in any way adversely affect any apparatus the removal of which has not been required by the undertaker under paragraph 40(2) or otherwise.

On street apparatus

36.  Except for paragraphs 37 (apparatus of National Grid in stopped up streets), 42 (retained apparatus: protection of electricity undertaker), 43 (expenses) and 44 (indemnity) which will apply in respect of the exercise of all or any powers under this 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 (street works in England and Wales) of the 1991 Act.

Apparatus of National Grid in stopped up streets

37.—(1) Where any street is stopped up under article 13 (permanent stopping up and restriction of use of streets, public rights of way and private means of access), if National Grid has any apparatus in the street or accessed via that street National Grid has the same rights in respect of that apparatus as it enjoyed immediately before the stopping up and the undertaker must grant to National Grid, or procure the granting to National Grid of, legal easements reasonably satisfactory to National Grid in respect of such apparatus and access to it prior to the stopping up of any such street but nothing in this paragraph affects any right of the undertaker or National Grid to require the removal of that apparatus under paragraph 40 (removal of apparatus) or the power of the undertaker, subject to compliance with this sub-paragraph, to carry out works under paragraph 42 (retained apparatus: protection of electricity undertaker).

(2) Notwithstanding the temporary stopping up or diversion of any highway under the powers of article 12 (temporary stopping up and restriction of use of streets), National Grid is at liberty at all times to take all necessary access across any such stopped up highway and 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.

Protective works to buildings

38.  The undertaker must exercise the powers conferred by article 18 (protective work to buildings) so as not to obstruct or render less convenient the access to any apparatus without the written consent of National Grid (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld).

Acquisition of land

39.—(1) Regardless of any provision in this Order or anything shown on the land plans, the undertaker may not acquire any interest in land or apparatus or override any easement or other interest of National Grid otherwise than by agreement.

(2) As a condition of an 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 is subject to the requirements of this Part of this Schedule that will cause any conflict with or breach the terms of any easement or other legal or land interest of National Grid or affect 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 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 or removal of apparatus (including but not limited to the payment of costs and expenses relating to such relocation or removal of apparatus) and the provisions of any existing easement, rights, agreements and licences granted, used, enjoyed or exercised by National Grid 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 prevail.

(4) Any agreement or consent granted by National Grid under paragraph 42 (retained apparatus: protection of electricity undertaker) or any other paragraph of this Part of this Schedule, is not to be taken to constitute agreement under sub-paragraph (1).

Removal of apparatus

40.—(1) If, in the exercise of the powers conferred by this Order, the undertaker acquires any interest in or possesses temporarily any land in which any apparatus is placed, 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).

(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 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 reasonable satisfaction (taking into account paragraph 41(1) (facilities and rights for alternative apparatus)) the necessary facilities and rights—

(a) for the construction of alternative apparatus in other land of, or secured by, the undertaker; and

(b) 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, 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 does 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.

(5) National Grid must, after the alternative apparatus to be provided or constructed has been agreed, 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

41.—(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 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 may be referred to arbitration in accordance with paragraph 48 (Arbitration) of this Part of this Schedule and the arbitrator must 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: protection of electricity undertaker

42.—(1) Not less than 56 days before the commencement of any specified works 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 works which will or may be situated on, over, under or within 15 metres measured in any direction of any apparatus; or involve embankment works within 15 metres of any 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 and 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 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 (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) 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, for the provision of protective works or for the purpose of providing or securing proper and convenient means of access to any apparatus.

(7) Works executed under sub-paragraphs (2) or (3) must be executed in accordance with the plan submitted under sub-paragraph (1) or, as relevant, sub-paragraph (6), 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 under sub-paragraph (6) 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 specified works for which 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 undertaker, reasonably requires the removal of any apparatus and gives written notice to the undertaker of that requirement, paragraphs 34 to 36 and 39 to 41 apply as if the removal of the apparatus had been required by the undertaker under paragraph 40(2) (removal of apparatus).

(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 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 undertaker will not be 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-paragraphs (6), (7) and (8) 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.

Expenses

43.—(1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, the undertaker must pay to National Grid within 30 days of receipt of an itemised invoice or claim from National Grid all charges, costs and expenses reasonably anticipated within the following three months or reasonably and properly 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 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 40(3) (removal of apparatus); 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, where no written diversion agreement is otherwise in place;

(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;

(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 paragraph 48 (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 to the extent that 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

44.—(1) Subject to sub-paragraphs (2) and (3), if by reason or in consequence of the construction of any 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 accompanied by an invoice or claim from National Grid the cost reasonably and properly 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 this 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) imposes any liability on the undertaker in respect of—

(a) 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; and

(b) any part of the authorised works carried out by National Grid in the exercise of any functions conferred by this Order pursuant to a grant or transfer under article 8 (consent to transfer benefit of Order).

(4) National Grid must give the undertaker reasonable notice of any such third party claim or demand and no settlement, admission of liability 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.

(5) National Grid must, in respect of any matter covered by the indemnity given by the undertaker in this paragraph, at all times act reasonably and in the same manner as it would as if settling third party claims on its own behalf from its own funds.

(6) National Grid must use its reasonable endeavours to mitigate and to minimise any costs, expenses, loss, demands, and penalties to which the indemnity under this paragraph applies where it is within National Grid’s reasonable ability and control to do so and which expressly excludes any obligation to mitigate liability arising from third parties which is outside of National Grid’s control and if reasonably requested to do so by the undertaker National Grid must provide an explanation of how the claim has been minimised, where relevant.

Enactments and agreements

45.  Nothing in this Part of this Schedule affects 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

46.—(1) Where in consequence of the proposed construction of any part of the authorised works, the undertaker or National Grid requires the removal of apparatus under paragraph 40(2) (removal of apparatus) or National Grid makes requirements for the protection or alteration of apparatus under paragraph 42 (retained apparatus: protection of electricity undertaker), the undertaker must 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 works and taking into account the need to ensure the safe and efficient operation of National Grid’s undertaking and National Grid must use its best endeavours to co-operate with the undertaker for that purpose.

(2) For the avoidance of doubt whenever the undertaker’s or National Grid’s consent, agreement or approval is required in relation to plans, documents or other information submitted under this schedule, or agreement is required to be reached between the parties under this Part of this Schedule, it must not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

Access

47.  If in consequence of the agreement reached in accordance with paragraph 39(1) (acquisition of land) 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

48.  Save for differences or disputes arising under paragraphs 40(2) or (4) and 41(1), 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 42 (arbitration).

Notices

49.  Notwithstanding article 41 (service of notices), any plans submitted to National Grid by the undertaker pursuant to paragraph 42 (retained apparatus: protection of electricity undertaker) 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.

(1)

1989 c. 29. The definition of “electrical plant” (in section 64) was amended by section 108 of, and paragraphs 24 and 38(1) and (3) of Schedule 6 to, the Utilities Act 2000 (c. 27).