Water Act 1945

If undertakers unwilling to pay compensation, mines may be worked in usual manner.

14 (1) Upon receipt of such a notice as aforesaid, the undertakers may cause the said mines or minerals to be inspected by any person appointed by them for the purpose, and if it appears to them that the working thereof is likely to damage any of their reservoirs or buildings, or pipes, or other conduits or underground works shown on the said map, and if they are willing to pay compensation for the mines or minerals to the owner, lessee or occupier thereof, then he shall not work them, and the amount of the compensation to be paid shall, in the case of dispute, be determined by arbitration.

(2) If the undertakers have not before the expiration of the said thirty days stated their willingness to treat with the owner, lessee, or occupier for the payment of compensation, it shall be lawful for him to work the said mines an minerals, and to drain them, by means of pumps or otherwise, as if the special Act had not been passed, so, however, that no wilful damage be done to any of the said property or works of the undertakers and that the mines and minerals be not worked in an unusual manner.

(3) Any damage or obstruction occasioned to any of the said property or works of the undertakers by the working of such mines or minerals in an unusual manner shall be forthwith repaired or removed, and the damage made good, by the owner, lessee, or occupier of the mines or minerals, and if such repair or removal be not effected forthwith, or, if the undertakers deem it necessary to take action without waiting for the work to be done by the owner, lessee, or occupier, the undertakers may execute the work, and recover from the owner, lessee, or occupier the expenses reasonably incurred by them in so doing.