In Hertfordshire, a 75-acre site destined for 800 homes, a primary school, and a local centre was held back by a complex web of utility constraints. Two overhead electricity lines sliced through the land, with no permanent rights in place, sterilising key development areas and disrupting plans for public open space. The challenge wasn’t just about removing the visual impact; it was about making the land viable for development while ensuring long-term security for the project. BTS Property Consultancy took a proactive approach, serving notices on both utility providers and initiating negotiations. Our in-depth assessments made it clear: the 132kV line had to be diverted underground, while compensation was required for the retention of the 400kV line. We secured a financial contribution towards undergrounding works and, through technical reviews and strategic project management, mapped out the optimal route for installation—navigating a conservation area, a fixed school location, and other site constraints. Now, the undergrounding works are underway, unlocking valuable development land while securing legal easements that guarantee rights into perpetuity. With crossing agreements in place to allow essential services to integrate seamlessly, the project is back on track. This case proves that, with expert negotiation and a sharp eye for value, even the most restrictive utility constraints can be turned into an opportunity.

Posted by BTS Property Consultancy at 2025-03-24 12:27:21 UTC