Southern Gas Networks

Providing specialist utility advice to one of the largest regional gas distribution networks in the UK. They needed specialist utility advice on gas projects for their network. This work covered a range of projects for local distribution mains to large scale strategic schemes.

How We Did It

Responsive and cost effective service
Problem solving and firm but fair negotiation stance with all parties
Provision of regular financial and progress updates
Management of client funds for payment of compensation payments and agents fees
Addressing queries relating to Easements and other rights of access

Results

Obtained Consents for installation of pipes at short notice to maintain supplies
Delivered on time to tight deadlines
Negotiated compensation claims following emergency works to gas mains
Agreed terms for Deeds of Easements for new and existing pipes
Negotiated leases and acquisitions for associated apparatus

Three Valleys Water

Supporting a water supply scheme from point of abstraction to point of treatment.

They needed an all encompassing land issues service provider who could progress a scheme from point of abstraction to point of treatment and address all related issues. It is particularly important for this client that Dalcour Maclaren is able to work closely with all of its engineering consultants and contractors engaged in co-operative partnership agreements.

How We Did It

Provide specialist advice in archaeological site investigations and ecological surveys for protected species
Preparation of full feasibility report to determine a suitable route satisfying all land issues
Risk management to avoid non-essential costs
Budgetary forecasting
Applications to statutory bodies

Results

Smooth efficient planning with comprehensive risk management

Scottish & Southern Energy

Fast, efficient service for essential major works by one of the largest energy companies in the UK.

Dealing with electricity, gas and telecoms. They needed a fast, efficient service to obtain permissions to enter private land for the purposes of essential major works to overhead power lines in Hampshire.

How We Did It

Immediate door knocking exercise to identify occupiers
Prompt identification of any environmentally designated areas
Submission of application for Assent to English Nature for Assent to works within an SSSI
Electronic plans produced with exact works clearly annotated to eliminate any misunderstanding about the proposed project
Management of client funds for payment of compensation payments and agents fees
Production of new Wayleaves and plans for all amended sections

Results

All Consents received from landowners within 6 week target date in form of signed copy plan as required by client
English Nature Assent received within 24 hours of application
Satisfactory management of client funds for settlement of compensation payments and agents fees
Project issued to contractors on time with all land matters resolved in advance

National Grid

Providing land agency services to the operator of the UK’s gas transmission system, for importation projects around the country.

A primary objective is to satisfy the growing demand for gas by means of importation projects around the UK. Dalcour Maclaren has won various contracts to provide land agency services – one example being a 55km gas main project. The client needed experienced land agents to deal with all landowner issues along the route.

How We Did It

Close liaison with all other members of the National Grid project team
Speedy identification of landowners and occupiers
Advice on routing and expected claims
Preparation and monitoring of budgets for compensation and agents fees
Provision of regular financial and progress updates to the client

Results

To date we have achieved:
Completion of referencing and environmental / archaeological surveys on time by means of free access obtained through private land
Exceptional goodwill with landowners and occupiers during the period of planning and site investigation
Close liaison with other land agents to resolve potential issues before the Consent stage

South East Water

Specialist land agency services for a transfer pipeline project through an AONB.

They required specialist land agents to deal with all land issues in connection with the Darwell Reservoir to Hazards Green Transfer pipeline scheme. The project involved transporting water to the South East Water area by means of a transfer pipeline running due south from Darwell through an AONB.

How We Did It

Dedicated project team of qualified surveyors
Preparation and monitoring of budgets for compensation & agents fees
Liaison with environmental consultants, agents and contractors as required
Provision of legal advice on land related matters and service of Notices
Production of accurate electronic plans
Careful negotiations with landowners
Provision of regular financial and progress updates to the client
Proactive approach to avoid claims

Results

The project was delivered on time and on budget
Good public relations maintained throughout with landowners and relevant authorities
Accurate records and drawings supplied to the client
Full and final settlements
Documented easements