Protecting Landowner Rights Against Utilities

We acted for a private landowner whose use and enjoyment of their land was significantly affected by the presence of overhead low voltage electricity lines.

The apparatus crossed the property in a way that restricted flexibility, impacted amenity, and diminished the practical value of the land. The client sought a clear route to removal without incurring disproportionate costs.

We advised on the statutory and contractual framework governing the installation and retention of the electricity apparatus and served the appropriate notices on the electricity company. This established a legally robust platform from which to challenge the continued presence of the overhead lines and to require reconsideration of their positioning.

Following service of the notices, we entered into negotiations with the electricity undertaker, focusing on the impact of the lines on the landowner’s rights and the availability of alternative solutions. By applying sustained commercial pressure, we secured agreement for the electricity cables to be placed underground, with the majority of the diversion costs met by the electricity company.

As a result, the overhead lines were removed, restoring the landowner’s full use of the property and materially improving its value and enjoyment. The agreement delivered savings amounting to tens of thousands of pounds, demonstrating how effective use of statutory rights and negotiation can prevent private landowners from bearing unjustified utility costs.