Choosing our route

This is the most important aspect of pipeline planning and is done in consultation with a number of organisations and the people who own and use the land where we want to build.

There are several stages. First, having decided that we need to build a pipeline between two fixed points, we study maps and identify possible route options. We then consider other local sources of information avoiding constraints like populated areas, important landscape, environmental and archaeological features and areas where pipeline installation may not be achievable, for example due to topography. The next step is to decide on a preferred route corridor and employ environmental specialists to produce a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) along the entire route. Next we approach the landowners for permission to walk along the route looking for features which are not evident from our desktop studies. This usually results in a series of minor adjustments to take account of natural features and obstacles within the landscape.

We then seek landowner consent to carry out borehole and geotechnical surveys to get an understanding of subsurface ground conditions.

Finally, we make an offer to the landowners for permission to lay our pipe in their land. This is followed by meetings and discussions where they have an opportunity to raise any issues and concerns with us.

For equipment which is on the surface, like Above Ground Installations, compressor stations or valve compounds, we may need formal planning permission from the relevant local authority.

For the pipelines themselves, planning permission is not required, but we must obtain consent from the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry before construction can commence. We must also, of course, secure the agreement of the affected landowners and occupiers along the route.

Before granting permission to build a pipeline the Secretary of State must be satisfied we are doing everything we should to protect and preserve the environment. National Grid will produce a detailed EIA for each pipeline Project. Once these documents are completed and have been submitted to the Secretary of State they are public documents and will be lodged at local points of convenience for members of the public to consult.

Who do we consult?

As part of the EIA we have to consult a wide range of people and organisations. In the earliest stages we make contact with the local planning authorities, wildlife and conservation groups, heritage and archaeological agencies, the Environment Agency, countryside bodies and farming groups.

The statutory agencies we consult are determined by regulations, but in practice we consult much more widely. The exact bodies we consult with will vary depending on the areas we are passing through.

For a full list of consultees on any part of the project, please contact us.

Protecting the environment

Many of our pipelines pass through the countryside and it’s vital that we protect and preserve it. The best way to do this is by avoiding the most sensitive areas altogether, where possible, and by ensuring that, where we do have to work, we take every possible precaution to prevent harm. Our ultimate aim is to restore all of the land to its original pre-construction condition as soon as possible after the pipeline is in the ground.
As soon as we know where we need to build our pipeline we employ environmental specialists to produce the EIA. They carry out a thorough assessment of the landscape, wildlife and environment.

The environmental specialists consult local expert organisations, for instance wildlife and conservation groups, in drawing up the EIA. They identify and record all nature conservation sites, scheduled ancient monuments and major landscape features along the route and carry out detailed surveys of all the plant and animal species to be found there.

If they find rare or protected species, for example, bats or water voles, we take special measures to protect them, particularly during their all-important breeding seasons. We replace vegetation with only locally-gathered seed and species. In many instances the habitats we affect are actually improved as a result of our work.

Before work starts on site we take photographs of the area as part of a condition assessment so that when we’ve finished we can be sure that the land is as good as it was before we started. Particular care is taken with land drainage, especially on agricultural land, and where necessary not only do we repair and restore drains, but also install additional drainage.

Reinstatement begins as soon as the pipe is in the ground. The subsoil and topsoil are replaced, levelled and cultivated to restore the land to its original condition.