Why is a new pressure reduction installation needed?
Pressure reduction installations (PRIs) help to control and regulate the flow of gas and need to be located at strategic points to ensure the country’s gas network operates efficiently and economically.
National Grid first applied for planning permission to build a new PRI on a site at Corse, immediately west of the existing Tirley above ground installation (AGI), in April 2006. The application was refused by Forest of Dean District Council.
The Council’s decision was upheld following an appeal in 2007, but the Secretaries of State clearly acknowledged the national importance and urgency for the construction of a PRI in the vicinity of the existing Tirley AGI.
Site selection process
Following this decision, we carried out an extensive evaluation of potential sites for the PRI within a 10km radius of Tirley AGI. We concluded that our preferred location is on land to the east of Flat Farm, off the B4213 just to the east of Tirley AGI. Using this site would also allow us to remove our above-ground equipment from Tirley AGI and return that site to a greenfield site.
In December 2008 we applied to Tewkesbury Borough Council for planning permission to build the PRI on the land to the east of Flat Farm. Whilst the application was being considered we listened closely to the feedback the borough council was receiving and modified our proposals to address the points raised by local residents and consultees.
This resulted in the application being recommended for approval by the council’s planning officer, but the council’s planning committee members went against that recommendation and refused planning permission in February 2010.
Our appeal
Having carefully considered the reasons for refusal and in view of the national importance of the PRI, we submitted an appeal to the Secretaries of State for Communities and Local Government and Energy and Climate Change on 25 February 2010. The appeal was heard at a Local Public Inquiry which took place at Corse and Staunton Village Hall in July 2010.
The Planning Inspector who heard the appeal submitted his report to the Secretaries of State in early October 2010 and, based on the evidence presented, he recommended that National Grid's appeal should be upheld and permission to build the PRI should be granted. In their report the Secretaries of State agreed with the Inspector's recommendation and granted National Grid planning permission to build the PRI on land to the east of Flat Farm, Tirley.
Construction of the PRI will begin once we have fulfilled the planning conditions attached to the decision.
Construction
The methods used to construct the PRI are based on best industry practice, which includes plans to manage the effects of noise, dust and construction traffic on local communities and roads. Construction of the proposed landscape bunding will be one of the first activities to help reduce construction noise and views. Additional measures to protect the environment are put in place, such as works to manage groundwater run-off from the temporary construction site.
In the design of the new PRI we have been able to incorporate the functionality of the existing Tirley AGI. Upon completion of the new PRI, the existing AGI near the junction of the B4213 and B4211 will be completely removed and the area returned to a greenfield site.
Construction of the new PRI will take approximately 18 months.
Safety
Safety is a top priority for National Grid and we have an excellent safety record. Great Britain’s high-pressure National Gas Transmission System has been in operation for more than 40 years, and has never experienced a serious incident affecting life or property – the means by which safety performance is normally defined.
PRIs and their associated pipelines are designed, constructed and operated to the most exacting safety standards set out by the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers and regulated by the Health and Safety Executive. Pressure vessels and pipes are constructed using high grade steel, and undergo rigorous testing before commissioning.
Once constructed, the PRI is an extremely safe and secure installation, protected from interference by a series of fences and security systems.
Minimising our impact on the community
National Grid takes its responsibilities to local communities seriously. We are committed to working with local people to minimise the impact of our works wherever possible.