LANDOWNERS and farmers across Dumfries and Galloway need to be more aware of the expansion of the electricity infrastructure network.
That’s the message from Sarah Bennett, associate at Davidson and Robertson in Castle Douglas.
She has flagged up that there’s a rise in electricity infrastructure works in this region and that can impact agricultural, and other land, holdings.
Sarah said: “We are experiencing an increased volume of work relating to the electricity network across the country, due to the need for more grid connections.
She has spoken out after planning approval was controversially granted for the KTR – Kendoon to Tongland Reinforcement Project, which will see Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) replace the existing 80-year-old pylon line. The new route will go through the Galloway Forest Park and requires approximately 120 larger pylons to be constructed, many of which are located on ground previously unaffected by pylons. Despite a public inquiry recommending refusal, Scottish Ministers granted approval due to its importance in providing more capacity on the grid, in the drive to achieve Net Zero.
Sarah said: “This is just one example of how important electrical connectivity has become, and we can expect more of the same.”
She is already supporting many farmers and landowners affected by this project, working alongside senior land agent Ian McKnight and graduate surveyor, Jodie Caig. They have other projects across the region, including Scottish Water and Network Rail.
“Our negotiations on the KTR project began quite some time ago, and it has been a frustrating wait with much uncertainty for our clients,” added Sarah. “Construction dates have not yet been set and further negotiations on access provisions and compensation still need to be carried out.”
For anyone potentially impacted by infrastructure projects, she advised they will receive notification, but timelines and consultation deadlines change.
Sarah said: “The best opportunity for landowners and agricultural tenants to negotiate better terms is at the outset of the project, before signing any paperwork. Projects are often long and protracted, so it is important to consider wider impacts and any potential unforeseen consequences that may impede existing, and future alternative uses of the property.”
Electricity companies have statutory powers allowing them to construct new transmission lines, They also have the right to take access to their existing infrastructure for maintenance purposes.
Once the works are completed, SPEN are duty bound to reinstate the land back to its previous state, to the landowner’s/tenant’s reasonable satisfaction, with compensation offered to ensure farmers are not worse off as a result of the works.
