5 replies to this topic

[Jeff H]

hi if anybody can help it will be greatly appreciated.
i have discovered a mains cable going through my field feeding a supply to a cottage behind my land, this never came up on any searches when i purchased the land, infact the electricity company didnt even know it took this route to the said cottage, does anybody know if i would have any say about this cable being in my land. and the company are talking about a wayleave officer drawing a contract for me to sign, does anybody know what a wayleave officer is if thats how you pronounce it. or can anybody shed any light on this if they have had a similar experience...
thanks jeff...

[hobbitmeadow]

Hi

What ever you do, do not sign any contracts before taking legal advice on this one.
From memory wayleave of cables under your land can lead to all sorts of complications with the Health&Safety exec.

This could come back and bite you if you get it wrong.
I seem to remember something a while back, there was a fine handed out for about £15000.00 because something happened with the cable and because all the T's where not crossed the land owner had it all on his shoulders.

If you look around there are solicitors that deal with this sort of thing it may be worth looking one up just to get an idea before meeting with a wayleave officer.

Once you have completed an electricity wayleave - Health and Safety Legislation imposes restrictions, which burden your land or property like a restrictive covenant but which cannot be negated. The Health and Safety Executive has powers to prosecute any person who infringes such restrictions.

I would also check if there is any compensation if you have a covenant put in the land as this will possibly effect the value.

[Jeff H]

thanks for that,it seems just another part of an ever growing headache...
regards jeff

[Groundhog]

How big is the cable,how deep,is it covered on top with wood or identification tape,at what point does it enter and exit the ground,is there a substaion or pole with a transformer on it,is it definately electric and not old thick black plastic water pipe,last question might seem silly but I have uncovered allsorts of plastic metal pipes in the past,have a fuel pipe running under some land I know it takes aviation fuel to gatwick if you fracture that one it releases some stupid amount of litres in a minute

[Jeff H]

hi it is definitely a cable,and i have been told by the company today that my electric service can be joined to it, which will save me approx 3200 pounds in connection costs, but that i will have to sign the wayleave before they will connect me..the wayleave came through the post today so will be off to the solicitors tomorrow to see what he has to say..
regards jeff

[hobbitmeadow]

very wise move Jeff to get it checked out first you never know they may owe you so your connection could be free