Pelham to Rayleigh Overhead Line Reinforcement

On June 11 the CLA submitted its formal objection to National Grid Energy Transmission’s Compulsory Purchase Order for the Pelham to Rayleigh Overhead Line Reinforcement, which affects dozens of its members with land in Essex.

The CLA does not object to the line reinforcement works themselves. The membership benefits from a robust electricity grid just as much as the rest of the country. It also does not object to the measured use of compulsory purchase powers to achieve access for this purpose. They are an important backstop where access cannot be negotiated.

However, as an organaisation we do have sweveral concerns about the lawfulness of this particular order, including the extent of some of the rights sought. These include what seem to be a general right to “carry out works required or permitted by a planning permission” and to “erect, create, use… portable cabins and offices”.

We suspect these may go beyond the powers available to National Grid in this case. We are also concerned that proper account has not been taken of National Grid’s existing rights over much of the affected land. Our full response will be published in due course.

We will continue to stand up for our members’ lawful treatment on infrastructure issues.

If you have questions on this scheme, or other infrastructure projects please get in touch with the regional office.