Compulsory Purchase Order landowner information

On 12 January 2023, we made The National Grid Electricity Transmission plc (Scotland to England Green Link 1) Compulsory Purchase Order 2023 (the CPO) to enable us to compulsorily acquire the land and rights necessary to construct and operate the English onshore elements of SEGL1. These onshore elements comprise of underground cables, a convertor station, substation, and other associated development.

The Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO for short) followed a series of negotiations where we tried to meet voluntary agreements to ensure this vital project can be delivered to meet electricity demand.

A copy of the notice confirming the making of the CPO was served to all those with an interest in the land included in the CPO and published in a local newspaper.

A copy of the CPO, the maps which show the land included in the CPO, and the Statement of Reasons which explains why the CPO has been made, and the documents referred to in it, are available to view and download below.

The CPO has been submitted to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. If objections are made then there may be an inquiry which we would expect to take place in 2023.

FAQs

What is a Compulsory Purchase Order?

A Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) is a legal function that allows certain bodies such as government, councils, or utility companies, in this case National Grid Electricity Transmission, to obtain land or property without the consent of the owner.

Why has a CPO been issued by National Grid?

National Grid Electricity Transmission has made a CPO to enable us to compulsorily acquire the land and rights necessary to build and operate our SEGL1 project.

To ensure we can deliver this essential project without delay, we have taken a comprehensive approach to seek a CPO the land rights necessary to construct and operate the English onshore elements of SEGL1, together with the land rights which we have already reached via voluntary agreements with landowners. We will continue to engage with all landowners to seek to reach voluntary agreements.

What do you need the rights for?

We need to acquire the rights to the land and rights necessary to construct and operate the English onshore elements of SEGL1.

We have made contact with relevant landowners and occupiers of the properties to discuss the required rights to deliver the project.

I have already entered a voluntary agreement with National Grid Electricity Transmission?

To ensure that we can deliver this essential infrastructure project without delay, we have taken a comprehensive approach to seek a CPO for the land and rights necessary to construct and operate the English onshore elements of SEGL1, together with the land rights which we have already reached via voluntary agreements with landowners.

This protects us in case unknown landowners arise and in cases where reaching a voluntary agreement is not possible.

Will I be affected by this CPO?

We have contacted the owners and occupiers of the properties which are located the on land necessary to construct and operate the English onshore elements of SEGL1, to discuss the required rights to deliver the project.

We will continue to engage with affected owners and occupiers to seek the rights that we require via voluntary agreement where possible.

Who can I talk to if I have any further questions about the CPO?

If you have any questions about the CPO, or if you have not already reached a voluntary agreement but would now like to do so, please email WSP at:[email protected].

What will happen next?

Our CPO will be advertised and available to view in public locations for at least three weeks to allow time for those affected to review the documents and make objections to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, should they wish.

If the Secretary of State receives objections to our CPO, then the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) will make written representations to National Grid Electricity Transmission or will arrange for a public inquiry. BEIS will be in touch with those who have made an objection, if they require any further information.

After either the public inquiry or the written representations, the Secretary of State will confirm (with or without modifications) or reject the CPO. This will be confirmed in writing.

If the Secretary of State confirms our CPO, we will contact all landowners and occupiers of properties which are located above the route of the cable, to inform them of the decision. We will also publicise the decision. We will then contact all affected properties again regarding our acquisition of the rights for the project.