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Projects & Case Studies

Real instructions where we've turned utility constraints into secured rights, unlocked development land and recovered compensation for our clients.

Site layout — the 400kV overhead line, its 7m easement corridor and the required standoff shown over the proposed scheme.

Case Study 01

Compensation for lost development land

A pre-existing National Grid easement and a 400kV line looked like a hard constraint on the scheme — until a clause buried in the original 1965 deed turned it into a six-figure recovery.

Constraints

  • A pre-existing 1965 National Grid Deed of Easement in place.
  • A National Grid pylon tower carrying a 400kV, 12-conductor line in situ.
  • The required standoff to the tower and lines prevented full development of the site.

Solution

  • PCC Surveyors researched the original deed and found it contained a development clause as part of the 1965 agreement.
  • That clause allowed PCC to open negotiations for lost development land and injurious affection to the built value of the new homes, caused by the proximity of the pylon tower and lines.

Outcome

  • Six-figure compensation negotiated and agreed with National Grid and the developer.
  • A legal Deed of Variation completed, dispensing with NGET's obligations under the original Deed of Easement.

Diversion drawing — the existing 11kV pole and line, and the re-routed apparatus taken through the development by agreement.

Case Study 02

Relocation of apparatus

An 11kV overhead line sat right where the developer needed to build — and the DNO's quote to move it was around £70,000. We found a route that cost the developer nothing.

Constraints

  • A pre-existing 11kV timber pole, stay wires and power lines in the way of construction.
  • The DNO (Distribution Network Operator) had previously quoted the developer approximately £70,000 to move the apparatus to facilitate construction.

Solution

  • PCC Surveyors established there were no pre-existing formal rights on the title other than statutory rights, and contacted the DNO.
  • An alternative route for the apparatus through the development was agreed — acceptable to both the developer and the DNO.

Outcome

  • The DNO rerouted the apparatus at zero cost to the developer.
  • In return, the developer granted the DNO a permanent right by Deed of Easement.

Swing diagram — the shaded area shows land fully sterilised for development by the 400kV line and its required standoff.

Case Study 03

Total loss of development land

A 400kV pylon and its standoff zones didn't just limit this 3.2-acre plot — they cost it its housing allocation. We recovered its development value as if the pylon had never been there.

Constraints

  • A 400kV National Grid (NGET) pylon tower and lines sat in the middle of a 3.2-acre plot the local authority had allocated as suitable for development.
  • The standoff distances required by NGET meant development would be severely limited.
  • The local authority withdrew the site from its housing allocation, as the NGET constraints left insufficient housing density.

Solution

  • PCC Surveyors applied to the local authority for a Certificate of Appropriate Alternative Development under Section 17 of the Land Compensation Act 1961.
  • With the Section 17 granted, we designed a scheme showing the development that could take place in a "no pylon" environment, applying the Pointe Gourde principle.
  • Lengthy valuation negotiations followed.

Outcome

  • Total land sterilisation agreed with National Grid.
  • A seven-figure compensation settlement agreed with the landowner.
  • The landowner agreed to grant NGET a permanent right by Deed of Easement.
20+
Years' experience
£100m+
Secured for clients
2,000+
Agreements & claims
UK-wide
Coverage

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