Electricity 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 October 2026 | Squire Patton Boggs, Manchester | £315 | BOOK |
Note: All prices are to be paid in GBP and are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate
The programme is delivered primarily by reference to the legal framework in England. The statutory powers and consenting regimes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ in important respects. Delegates practising in those jurisdictions should consider those differences before booking.
Electricity network development sits at the heart of the UK's ambitions for economic growth, energy security and net zero. Delivering that infrastructure, however, depends upon a legal framework that is increasingly being tested by the scale and pace of the investment required.
Government has responded with an ambitious programme of reform. Alongside proposed changes to consenting, land rights and community engagement. Practitioners are also grappling with evolving case law, new approaches to compensation, changing expectations around negotiation and increasing pressure to deliver projects at faster speeds whilst maintaining public confidence.
Due to demand, this refreshed edition of Electricity Land Rights, Consenting and Compensation in Practice, examines those developments from a practical perspective. Bringing together leading practitioners from across the legal, surveying, network operator and policy communities. The programme explores how the current statutory framework is operating in practice, where reform is heading, and what those changes mean for promoters, landowners and their professional advisers.
Speakers
- David Holland, Partner, Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP
- Bruce Pollard, Head of Property (Electricity Distribution), National Grid Electricity Distribution
- Oliver Heselton FRICS, Director, Dalcour Maclaren
- Louise Staples BSc (Hons) MRICS FAAV, Rural Surveyor, National Farmers' Union
- Gemma Newell, Associate, Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP
- Gregg Davies, Land Rights and Consents Manager, Electricity North West
- Rebecca Noble, Senior Associate, Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP
- Harry Stubbs, Director, Dalcour Maclaren
- Claire Nevin, Barrister, Francis Taylor Building
- Camilla Chorfi, Barrister, Falcon Chambers
- Colin Cottage BSc (Hons) MRICS RICS Registered Valuer, Head of Complex Cases, Ardent
- Tom Ward, Director, TEW Solicitors
- Rebecca Collins MRICS FAAV, Technical and Policy Advisor, CAAV
- Nick Oliver, Wayleave & Consents Manager, Representing ENA
Programme
Keynote: Reality v Political and Lobby Expectations - A Call to Action
Reforming Electricity Consenting and Engagement: Where Are We Now?
- Update on DESNZ consultation on reforms?
- Key issues in practice:
- Necessary wayleave consenting
- Planning – s.37 Consents
- Access rights for distribution and transmission
- Survey powers
Statutory Powers in Practice: Necessary Wayleaves
A practical examination of the statutory powers available under the Electricity Act 1989.
- Necessary wayleaves
- Preparing evidence
Exercising Electricity Access Rights and Powers in Practice
- Why do electricity operators need access to land?
- What rights and powers do electricity operators have to access land?
- Recognising the rights and needs of landowners when taking access
- Legal processes for exercising access powers
- Common practical issues and how to overcome them
DCO Consenting for Large Electricity Projects
A practical review of obtaining consent under the Planning Act 2008.
- NSIP thresholds
- Relationship between DCO powers and Electricity Act powers
- Easements, temporary possession and access - - tips on getting the drafting right
- Examination issues
- Environmental constraints
- Route optioneering
- Stakeholder objections
- Recent decisions and lessons learned
Including practical case studies.
Electricity Compensation in Practice:
The Law, The Valuation and The Latest Decisions
- Compensation framework under the Electricity Act 1989; Schedule 3 and 4 (necessary wayleaves)
Valuation: Best Practice
- The elements of a paragraph 7 compensation assessment
- Injurious affection and disturbance – some considerations
- Worked example
Resolving Compensation Disputes
- Common barriers to agreement
- Alternative Dispute Resolution - Electricity Transmission (Compensation) Act 2023
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.
- 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.