PART 4

SUPPLEMENTAL POWERS

Authority to survey and investigate the land
16
1
The undertaker may for the purposes of this Order enter on any land above the level of high water shown within the Order limits and—
a
survey or investigate the land;
b
without limitation on the scope of sub-paragraph (a), make trial holes in such positions on the land as the undertaker thinks fit to investigate the nature of the surface layer and subsoil and remove soil samples;
c
without limitation on the scope of sub-paragraph (a), carry out ecological or archaeological investigations on such land; and
d
place on, leave on and remove from the land apparatus for use in connection with the survey and investigations of land and making of trial holes.
2
No land may be entered or equipment placed or left on or removed from the land under paragraph (1) unless at least 14 days’ notice in writing has been served on every owner, who is not the undertaker, and occupier of the land.
3
Any person entering land under this article on behalf of the undertaker—
a
must, if so required upon entering the land, produce written evidence of their authority to do so; and
b
may take with them such vehicles and equipment as are necessary to carry out the survey or investigation or to make the trial holes.
4
No trial holes are to be made under this article—
a
in land located within the highway boundary without the written consent of the highway authority; or
b
in a private street without the written consent of the street authority,
but such consent must not be unreasonably withheld.
5
The undertaker must compensate the owners and occupiers of the land for any loss or damage arising by reason of the exercise of the authority conferred by this article, such compensation to be determined, in case of dispute, under Part 1 (determination of questions of disputed compensation) of the 1961 Act.
6
Nothing in this article overrides any requirement to obtain permits or consents under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 or the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 .
1981 c. 69.
Art. 16 in force at 10.8.2016, see art. 1
Words in art. 16(6) substituted (30.11.2017) by The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1012), reg. 1(2), Sch. 6 para. 69