National Grid | November 2021 Underground cable installation

Construction best
practice for underground
cable installation
Version 1
National Grid | November 2021 Underground cable installation Underground cable installation November 2021 | National Grid

This document sets out National Contents

Grid’s approach to good practice
when we carry out work to install,
maintain and operate equipment 3 Section 1 - Before works commence
Route selection
on, over, in or under land and what Land referencing
Consulation with stakeholders
you as landowner or occupier Instructing an agent and surveyors fees
Non-intrusive surveys

can expect. Intrusive surveys

Photographic record of condition
Trees and hedgerows
The document also provides information on our duties as the owner Biosecurity, soil pests and diseases
of the national electricity transmission network. Straying livestock
Protection and reinstatement of services
We will adopt the best practice as set out in this document wherever Protection of water supplies
it is possible and reasonably practicable to do so. If we cannot do so, Fishing and sporting rights
we will always explain why. We will also always comply with all relevant Poaching and dogs
legislation. This document does not affect any other rights or powers Continuation of normal farming activities
that you or we may have. Contact upon commencement of works
7 Section 2 - During works
Methods of construction
Soil management
Haul roads
Additional land areas
Construction working width
Fencing the working width
Depths of cable
Land drains
Claims for crop loss, damage an disturbance
Agricultural Liaison Officers (ALOs)
Working hours
Security
Workers facilities and welfare
13 Section 3 - Post works completion
Reinstatement of roads
Reinstatement of land
Inspection and maintenance
Land management payments
Changes of ownership or occupation
Protection of the easement strip
As built plans

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National Grid | November 2021 Underground cable installation Underground cable installation November 2021 | National Grid

Section 1
Instructing an agent and surveyor’s fees Intrusive surveys
National Grid encourage you to appoint an National Grid may drill boreholes or excavate
agent/surveyor to act on your behalf where trial pits in advance of the main construction
Before works commence we are seeking rights to carry out works
on your property. An agent/surveyor will
advise you on the process, your rights
work where they are necessary to establish
ground, archaeological and/or geological
condition. After consultation between the
and will handle any compensation claims owner/occupier and National Grid, works
Route selection In order for us to consult the people on your behalf. will be carried out so as to cause the least
The route a project takes will be selected affected by our projects, we will send you practicable disturbance to the owner/
following careful planning and usually considers: a pre-populated Land Interest Questionnaire National Grid will reimburse you for occupier and in accordance with the National
(LIQ) which sets out the information held by professional fees reasonably incurred in Grid Land Rights Strategy. Reasonable and
• the directness of possible routes HM Land Registry. We will ask you to confirm respect of all claims and advice on legal provable compensation will be paid for any
the details that we hold are correct or ask agreements in connection with associated damage or disturbance caused.
• how disruptive works may be to the local land rights. More information on this can
you to make us aware of any additional
traffic, businesses and individuals be found within our Payment of Surveyors
interests that you believe are affected by the
• ensuring that engineering considerations project. This information will also ensure that Fees document.
are met we keep you informed of progress of the
project and will ensure that you have our Non-intrusive surveys
• complete costs of the works which contact information if you want to get in touch During the planning stages of our project, and
includes both the facilitation of works and or have any questions about our proposals. in advance of any final routing decision, we
reinstatement undertake surveys over land so that we can
• the locations of any existing underground Consultation with stakeholders understand any potential constraints to be
and overhead equipment With any of our proposals, we will always considered in the project routing decision.
look to consult with all land interests to
• avoiding sites of archaeological and discuss works, obtain feedback and build Walkover surveys, including ecological and
environmentally important sites positive relationships with affected parties. archaeological surveys, will be undertaken in
We understand that these schemes affect early project development. We will endeavour
• environmental factors.
you and want to make every effort to ensure to agree access on a voluntary basis
you are kept informed about what we are wherever possible, and landowners/
Land referencing
looking to do. During consultation, we would occupiers will always be afforded as much
National Grid endeavours to identify all be looking to obtain further information on: notice as reasonably practicable before
individuals and organisations that have an access is taken. An advance payment
interest in land that may be affected by their • landownership and occupancy of compensation will be made to you to
proposed works. This is so we can keep you (should this differ) compensate any losses incurred as a result
informed about the scheme and to ensure of surveys. Any further losses will be dealt
that the details of relevant property interests • any development proposals for the
land which would include any plans with on a proven loss basis.
are included within a Book of Reference
or Schedule of Interests. This document for permanent structures or existing
If we are unable to agree voluntary access,
is submitted as part of our application and planning consents
but we need to undertake particular surveys
typically includes landowners, tenants, • any known services, equipment to inform design, a statutory notice may be
businesses and any individual who may have of structures below ground relied upon.
rights over land and/or property, as well as
other interests such as mortgage companies. • whether the land has any special
designations (e.g. Sites of Special
Scientific Interest) or requirements
such as public rights of way
• potential cropped and/or stocking of land
• land use and possible impact of
proposed works.
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Photographic record of condition Straying livestock Fishing and sporting rights Continuation of normal farming activities
We will prepare a photographic record National Grid aims to consult with landowners/ National Grid will take all reasonably National Grid encourages the continuation of
of condition where access is required occupiers and ensure that all reasonable practicable steps to protect fishing and normal farming activities prior to commencement
for intrusive survey works. The record of precautions are taken to prevent the straying sporting rights and will pay reasonable of the project’s construction works. There is
condition will include any accesses and of livestock onto working areas. National Grid compensation for any loss or damage to a possibility that works may not progress as
compounds that are proposed to be used will compensate the owner of livestock for such rights arising out of the construction originally envisaged and so continuation of normal
by the scheme. all injury, death or loss arising where straying of the works. practices is advisable to ensure you do not suffer
is due to any act or omission on our part, any unnecessary losses.
The record of condition may consist of written following the production of a report from Poaching and dogs
notes, photographs or video recordings. A copy a veterinary expert. National Grid will instruct their employees Contact upon commencement of works
of any record of condition will be shared with that they must not carry out poaching or With any National Grid project, a programme
landowners/their agents before work on site Protection and reinstatement of services bring dogs on to the working areas except is always discussed with landowners and
begin. This will ensure an accurate record of National Grid will aim to ensure that provisions as may be necessary for security or other occupiers to ensure that they are kept
the prior condition of land to ensure that land are made to maintain existing services during reasonable purposes. informed with progress on site. National Grid
is reinstated appropriately. the works. Where this is not possible and aim to provide at least 10 working days’
existing services are affected by our works, notice to the landowners and occupiers along
Trees and hedgerows we will take all reasonable steps to reinstate the route before entry is taken. Where it is
It is always our last resort to lop or fell any the services to their previous condition once reasonably possible to do so, National Grid
mature trees, however if it is unavoidable, the works are completed. will afford landowners and occupiers time to
we will consult with landowners. If there is remove standing crops before access is taken
a tree preservation order on the tree or the Protection of water supplies in order to mitigate losses.
location is within a conservation area, the Locating existing water supplies is important
appropriate authority will also be consulted to us; you may have knowledge of supply
and any lopping or felling will be done to locations which we would be grateful if you
abide with their conditions. could share with us. Having this information
allows us to reduce the effects of our scheme
Any works to hedgerows will also be and carry out reinstatement works.
discussed with landowners and occupiers,
with any formal approvals to be requested If we interrupt or accidentally damage any
from the local authorities. There will also water supplies or other services in the land,
be ecological surveys to ensure wildlife is we will repair the damage and/or provide
not harmed or affected by the removal of an adequate alternative as soon as
hedgerows. Following completion of the reasonably practicable.
works, these hedgerows will be replaced
wherever possible. If there appears to be any possibility of
disturbance of private water supplies such as
Biosecurity, soil pests and diseases wells or springs, we will arrange, and meet the
National Grid, in conjunction with the landowner cost of sample analysis to determine quality.
/occupier, will take such reasonable biosecurity The data, i.e. the levels in wells and flows from
precautions as may be necessary to avoid springs, will be recorded and agreed before
the spreading of pests and diseases having the works commence.
regard to the recommendations and guidance
as prescribed by the appropriate agricultural
government department. National Grid will also
seek to agree reasonable precautions against
the spreading of pests and diseases with any
landowner or occupier prior to entry onto any
land or property.

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National Grid | November 2021 Underground cable installation Underground cable installation November 2021 | National Grid

Section 2
During works

NOT TO SCALE

Methods of construction Soil management

Construction of linear cable projects can To prevent any unnecessary damage to soils,
be undertaken in a number of different ways. all construction traffic will be restricted to
Open trenching where the land will need to designated access roads. Topsoil stripping
be excavated for the cable to be installed or will also be restricted to the width of access
possible ducting for the cable to be pulled roads and construction areas of the project to
through. The excavations will be backfilled minimise disturbance to soil and its structure.
with a protective tile above. Horizontal
Directional Drilling (HDD) or similar Topsoil and subsoil will be stored separately
technology may be utilised to provide to prevent mixing and will be reinstated in
ducting for the cable to be pulled through reverse order of excavation. The height of
in instances where open trenching is topsoil storage bunds will be restricted to
not appropriate. minimise risks of compaction within the
soil heap.
National Grid will endeavour to undertake works
to both topsoil and subsoil in suitable weather
conditions, for example, when not waterlogged.

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National Grid | November 2021 Underground cable installation Underground cable installation November 2021 | National Grid

Haul roads Construction working width Land drains The position of all land drains cut by or disturbed
For linear projects, a haul road is usually In addition to the Easement Strip in which National Grid will instruct a drainage during excavation work will immediately,
installed along the working width to ensure the cables will be situated, National Grid will consultant to provide pre and post following their location, be prominently marked
access for all machines and to protect the require a Construction Working Width during construction drainage plans. The plans will by pegs at both sides of the trench or recorded
soils from heavy plant and machinery, usually the construction phase of projects. This will show the preferred drainage design based on the Global Positioning System (GPS) device/
installed following topsoil stripping and the be for access associated with the cable upon the indicative cable route. Final designs surveying system.
laying of a geotextile membrane to protect installation works including access to third will be based upon the as-built cable.
the soils and prevent as much as possible party’s land affected by the cable works In cases where land is let on any agricultural
the stone contaminating the soils. and storage of soil. In many cases, the laying of new land drains tenancy, agreements regarding repairs and
will be required to keep the affected and reinstatement will involve the occupier (or in
Additional land areas Fencing the working width adjoining land of the landowner in good order. the absence of a formal tenancy agreement,
the landowner).
Sometimes, projects may require land outside National Grid usually fence out their Construction
of the Construction Working Width for the Working Width to protect both members of the Where it is reasonable and proportionate to
do so, the Construction Working Width will After the cable has been installed, National
purpose of the following activities and facilities: public and livestock. This also helps to avoid Grid will carry out the drainage works as
trespass. Unless otherwise agreed with the be restored to a condition no worse than
• storing portable cabins recorded at the pre-construction drainage agreed between National Grid and the
landowner/occupier, the method of fencing the landowner or occupier as appropriate.
Construction Working Width will be livestock assessment. The pre-construction drainage
• welfare facilities including portable toilets assessment will be undertaken immediately The timing of these works is to be
-proof to ensure exclusion of any stock kept on discussed and agreed between National
• secure works compounds the adjoining land. Where no livestock is kept, prior to the commencement of construction.
If land drainage cannot be provided to Grid and the occupier. National Grid will
• storage of plan and/or materials post and rope fences or wire may be used. ensure that suitably qualified drainage
National Grid will exercise reasonable care reinstate the land to the same standard as
the pre-construction drainage assessment, sub-contractors are employed.
• temporary access road and undertake practical measures to avoid
entry by trespassers. the landowner will be compensated.
• road, rail and river crossings Post construction maintenance is the
When repairing damage to field drainage responsibility of the landowner following
• areas of difficult terrain Crossing points may be included within expiry of the contractor liability period.
this fencing to facilitate the continuation of systems, and/or carrying out any additional
drainage work determined as necessary, the Assuming that the landowner has maintained
• additional surface cables in case of agricultural operations. The crossing points any drainage installed as per best practice,
emergency only. will be installed at appropriate locations approach will be agreed with the landowner.
If agreement cannot be reached, the matter then National Grid will be responsible for
to enable reasonable access across the any repairs or losses resulting from defects
This land will only ever be used by the project Construction Working Width. All temporary will be referred to an independent expert
acceptable to both parties. Where possible, for the duration of the easement.
in connection to their construction works. fencing will be maintained throughout
Should any additional land be required, construction works until the land has been plans of any existing drainage scheme
should be shared with National Grid. Claims for crop loss,
landowners/occupiers will be consulted with. reinstated, unless otherwise agreed with damage and disturbance
The location and extent of these areas will be the landowner/occupier.
agreed with the landowners/occupiers and Where drains are located during excavations, Reasonable and proper compensation for
may be documented by way of a separate Depths of cable it would be expected that photos of any crop loss, damage and disturbance arising
lease or licence agreement which National repairs or connections are taken along with out of the construction works will be paid
The cable will be laid to avoid interference a record of the location for future reference. by National Grid on a proven loss basis.
Grid will draft and provide to you and or with normal agricultural operations wherever
your agent. If possible, the landowner or occupier
possible. The cable will be laid with a suitable would be afforded the opportunity to Agricultural Liaison Officers (ALOs)
depth of cover from the original surface to inspect the works. National Grid will usually appoint an ALO
the top of the protective tile, except where
to provide a point of contact for landowners
necessary for engineering reasons, and with Header drains (cut-off drains) will be installed and occupiers during construction. The ALO
the agreement of the landowner. before construction begins, where required, will be available to discuss any practical
to secure the integrity of the drainage system issues that might arise. They will usually
to facilitate the installation for the cables. be introduced to landowners and occupiers
before construction commences.

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Working hours Security

Core working hours are typically between the Temporary construction compounds,
hours of 7am - 7pm Monday to Saturday and including offices, are secured to protect the
between 9am - 5pm on Sundays. public and prevent unauthorised entry to site.
Access to temporary construction compounds
The nature of some of the activities means will be limited to specific entry points and
that these times and days may need to be personnel entries/exits will be recorded and
extended occasionally for particular activities. monitored for both security and health and
For example, activities that require continuous safety purposes.
24-hour operations such as tunnelling,
horizontal directional drilling and testing Workers facilities and welfare
activities would require night-time working. No living accommodation will be permitted on
Some deliveries and abnormal loads may the construction site. Onsite welfare facilities
be required outside of normal working will be provided for all site workers and visitors
hours. We will be sure to keep you informed and these will be kept clean and tidy.
of working hours specific to your property.
Where portable generators are used to
provide electricity for welfare units, industry
best practice will be followed to minimise
noise and pollution.

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National Grid | November 2021 Underground cable installation Underground cable installation November 2021 | National Grid

Section 3
Changes of ownership or occupation Whilst most agricultural operations will still
National Grid maintain contact with be possible above the cables, landowners
landowners and occupiers of land crossed and occupiers must ensure that they do

Post works completion by their equipment to ensure accurate records

are held to facilitate maintenance activities
and protection of assets. Once a project has
not do anything that will likely result in an
interference with the cables or to cause
damage the cables. There will likely be no
been completed, National Grid will provide restrictions on normal agricultural operations
Reinstatement of roads Inspection and maintenance their contact details so that landowners that do not affect the cable. Land drainage
and occupiers can notify them of any works however, are usually restricted over
Private roads and footpaths will be made Notice will be given to the landowner the easement width. If drainage works are
good to a condition equivalent to that existing /occupier for any subsequent entry required changes in landownership or of any other
interest changes connected to the land. planned in the vicinity of the cables, National
before the commencement of the works. to the land for maintenance or inspection Grid should be notified as soon as possible.
purposes, unless in the case of an emergency.
Access trackways will be removed after Should any trees or hedgerows be planted Protection of the easement strip
National Grid will carry out periodic
construction. The geotextile membranes in connection with the works, National Some activities will be restricted on the inspections of their easements and will
protecting the soils will also be removed Grid will commit to manage or pay for their easement strip to ensure that the cables therefore require access to and along the
and taken away from site. maintenance until reasonably established. are protected. Easement widths can vary easement strip. As such, the easement strip
dependant on the cable type and project should be maintained in line with the terms
Reinstatement of land Land management payments engineering requirements. of the deed of easement.
Agricultural land will be reinstated to the National Grid will pay compensation for all
pre-works condition as far as reasonably reasonable and proven loss of Basic Payment As built plans
possible. National Grid will reinstate effected Scheme (BPS) monies or payment of any Upon completion of the works, National
land to the reasonable satisfaction of the other statutory land management support Grid will serve a Completion Notice to the
landowner and occupier. schemes unavoidably incurred where eligible landowner which will include ‘as built’ plans.
land has been taken out of production during
We will aim to reinstate topsoil during or after construction works. National Grid
favourable weather conditions on appropriately would expect any impact on BPS or similar
contoured and prepared ground. The topsoil scheme to be mitigated, where possible.
of agricultural land will be left in a loose, friable
and workable condition and wherever possible, National Grid’s projects may also impact
to its original depth over the whole working on land entered into an environmental land
area. Subsoil will generally be loosened with management scheme. In these instances,
an agricultural cultivator to an appropriate National Grid will expect the landowner
depth where the topsoil has been removed. /occupier to complete any necessary form,
such as a derogation request, to mitigate the
Reinstatement of field boundaries potential losses as a result of the construction
National Grid will reinstate any fences and works. National Grid will reimburse reasonable
walls removed during construction and professional fees in connection with any
utilise appropriate materials for remediation necessary derogation request or similar
activities. Hedges and hedgerow trees will be completed as a result of construction works.
re-planted. Hedges will be replaced by whips
protected by suitable fencing. National Grid In accordance with the arrangements
will undertake ongoing hedgerow maintenance set out in this document, where required,
for 5 years post works or will agree a payment National Grid will use reasonable endeavours
with the landowner as an item of claim within to provide landowners and/or occupiers with
the full and final settlement. information to assist in making BPS and any
other similar applications.

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National Grid | November 2021 Underground cable installation

November 2021. GR01635

National Grid plc

1-3 Strand
Charing Cross
London
WC2N 5EH
United Kingdom

nationalgrid.com
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