Electricity Essentials: Land Rights, Consenting and Compensation in Practice
This showcase event will provide a deep dive into the practice of delivering and operating the electricity network, drawing together analysis of the current consenting and compensation regimes while spotlighting current reform proposals to deliver network expansion fit to meet the needs of the 21st century. This session is essential if you work in this sector, or advise clients affected by the expanding demands of electricity delivery, can you afford not to attend?
| Start Date | Venue | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 April 2026 | Dentons UK & Middle East LLP, London | £310 | BOOK |
Note: All prices are to be paid in GBP and are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate
The current land rights and consenting regime under the Electricity Act 1989 underpinning electricity network delivery is under unprecedented pressure. Ambitious net zero targets, need to deliver rapid grid decarbonisation and expansion of the existing network to meet mounting capacity demands.
Against this backdrop, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is leading the process of reform, engaging with network operators, landowners and advisors in respect of potential reforms to the current regime.
This conference brings together leading stakeholders, legal, valuation and property advisors, policymakers and practitioners at the forefront of electricity delivery. Through a series of focused sessions, we will assess how current land rights, consenting and compensation work in practice and explore the reform agenda.
Speakers Confirmed So Far - More to Follow...
- David Holland, Partner, Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP
- Bruce Pollard, Head of Property (Electricity Distribution), National Grid Electricity Distribution
- Camilla Chorfi, Barrister, Falcon Chambers
- Gemma Newell, Associate, Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP
- Richard Turney KC, Barrister, Landmark Chambers
- Rebecca Collins MSc MRICS FAAV, Technical and Policy Advisor, CAAV
- Oliver Radley-Gardner KC, Barrister, Falcon Chambers
- Daisy Noble, Barrister, Francis Taylor Building; Chair of the CPA
- James North MRICS FAAV FBIAC CEnv, Director, North & Letherby Ltd
- Oliver Heselton FRICS, Director, Dacour MacLaren
- Adam Rosenthal KC, Barrister, Falcon Chambers
Programme
Introduction by conference Chair - Dave Holland, Partner, Squire Patton Boggs
Keynote: Reality v Political and Lobby Expectations
Necessary Wayleaves in Practice
- Statutory framework and process under Schedule 4, Electricity Act 1989
- Interaction with easements, voluntary agreements and compensation frameworks
- When and why operators resort to necessary wayleaves; strategic considerations
- The preparation of evidence
- Challenging decisions
DCO Consenting for Large Electricity Projects
- Planning Act 2008 regime: scope, thresholds and applicability to transmission
- Interface between DCO powers, electricity legislation and land rights acquisition
- Flexibility vs. certainty in DCO drafting – treatment of easements, access powers and temporary possession
- DCO Examination issues: environmental constraints, route optioneering and stakeholder objections.
- Case studies
The Nuts and Bolts of Electricity Compensation
Electricity Transmission (Compensation) Act 2023 – Overview and Practical Impact
- New powers, rights or obligations introduced by the Act
- How the Act interacts with existing compensation frameworks
- Practical implications for promoters, landowners and advisors
CAAV’s Code of Conduct for Electricity Negotiations
- Purpose and scope of the Code; context in current market conditions
- Good practice in engagement, transparency and negotiation behaviour
- Implications for surveyors, agents and promoters – standards of conduct and enforcement
- Relationship with statutory powers and voluntary agreements
- Role of the Code in building trust and accelerating delivery
Street Works
- Electricity undertakers’ rights under the New Roads and Street Works Act
- Interface with local highway authorities and other statutory undertakers
- Coordinating works, avoiding liabilities and managing public impacts
- Compensation and reinstatement obligations
- Practical challenges in urban and constrained environments
Access Powers
- Statutory access rights under electricity legislation and related statutes
- Drafting access provisions in agreements and DCOs
- Managing access disputes, liabilities and reinstatement
- Temporary vs permanent access considerations
- Practical case studies
Reforming the Consenting and Engagement Process – Where Are We Now?
- Overview of the government’s current reform agenda and timelines (including DESNZ and Ofgem initiatives)
- Streamlining engagement for linear infrastructure – challenges and opportunities
- Balancing accelerated delivery with procedural fairness and stakeholder rights
- The evolving role of community benefit, early engagement, and strategic spatial planning
- What might reform of S37 consents look like?
Followed by a Panel Discussion