The A47 Wansford to Sutton Development Consent Order 2023

Removal of apparatus

70.—(1) If, in the exercise of the powers conferred by this Order, the undertaker acquires any interest in any land in which any apparatus is placed or requires that apparatus is relocated or diverted, that apparatus must not be removed under this Part of this Schedule and any right of NGED to maintain that apparatus in that land must not be extinguished until alternative apparatus has been constructed, alternative rights acquired or granted for the alternative apparatus and the alternative apparatus is in operation and access to it has been provided if necessary to the reasonable satisfaction of NGED in accordance with sub-paragraphs (2) to (10) or with such alternative or supplementary provisions as the undertaker and NGED may agree between them.

(2) If, for the purpose of executing any works in, on or under 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 NGED 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.

(3) If as a consequence of the exercise of any of the powers conferred by this Order NGED reasonably needs to remove or divert any of its apparatus and the removal of that apparatus has not been required by the undertaker under sub-paragraph (2) then NGED must give to the undertaker 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 this Part has effect as if the removal or diversion of such apparatus had been required by the undertaker under sub-paragraph (2).

(4) If as a consequence of the removal or diversion of apparatus under sub-paragraph (2) or (3) alternative apparatus is to be constructed in land owned or controlled by the undertaker then the undertaker must afford to NGED the necessary facilities and alternative rights for the construction of alternative apparatus in the other land owned or controlled by the undertaker.

(5) If the undertaker or NGED requires to remove or divert any apparatus placed within the Order land and alternative apparatus is to be constructed in land not owned or controlled by the undertaker as a consequence of the removal or diversion of apparatus then NGED shall use its reasonable endeavours to obtain alternative rights in the land in which the alternative apparatus is to be constructed.

(6) If alternative apparatus is to be constructed in land not owned or controlled by the undertaker and NGED is unable to obtain such alternative rights as are mentioned in sub-paragraph (5), the undertaker and NGED shall consider whether there is an alternative engineering solution that can achieve the diversion without the need for the use of compulsory powers. Should such an alternative engineering solution not be practicable and deliverable in a reasonable timescale and at a reasonable cost (which shall be determined by the undertaker acting reasonably), NGED shall on the transfer of the benefit of the necessary provisions of this Order to NGED use the powers of compulsory acquisition set out in this Order or the Electricity Act 1989 to obtain the necessary facilities and rights in the land in which the alternative apparatus is to be constructed in accordance with a timetable agreed between NGED and the undertaker.

(7) Any alternative apparatus required pursuant to sub-paragraphs (2) or (3) must be constructed in such manner and in such line or situation as may be agreed between NGED and the undertaker or in default of agreement settled in accordance with paragraph 75 (expert determination).

(8) NGED must, after the alternative apparatus to be provided or constructed has been agreed or settled pursuant to paragraph 75 (expert determination), and after the acquisition by or grant to NGED of any such facilities and alternative rights as are referred to in sub-paragraphs (2) to (6), proceed without unnecessary delay to construct and bring into operation the alternative apparatus and subsequently to remove any apparatus required to be removed under the provisions of this Part of this Schedule.

(9) Regardless of anything in sub-paragraph (8), if the undertaker gives notice in writing to NGED that it desires itself to execute any work, or part of any work in connection with the construction or removal of apparatus in any land of the undertaker, that work, instead of being executed by NGED, must be executed by the undertaker—

(a) in accordance with plans and specifications and in such line or situation agreed between the undertaker and NGED, or, in default of agreement, determined in accordance with paragraph 75 (expert determination); and

(b) without unnecessary delay under the superintendence, if given, and to the reasonable satisfaction of NGED.

(10) Nothing in sub-paragraph (9) authorises the undertaker to execute the placing, installation, bedding, packing, removal, connection or disconnection of any apparatus or alternative apparatus, or execute any filling around the apparatus or alternative apparatus (where the apparatus or alternative apparatus is laid in a trench) within 600 millimetres of the point of connection or disconnection.