Paragraph 48 Retained apparatus: protection
Not less than 56 days before the commencement of any specified works the undertaker must submit to National Gas a plan and, if reasonably required by National Gas, a ground monitoring scheme in respect of those works.
In relation to specified works the plan to be submitted to National Gas under sub-paragraph (1) must include a method statement and describe—
the exact position of the works;
the level at which these are proposed to be constructed or renewed;
the manner of their construction or renewal including details of excavation, positioning of plant etc;
the position of all apparatus;
by way of detailed drawings, every alteration proposed to be made to or close to any such apparatus; and
any intended maintenance regimes.
The undertaker must not commence any works to which sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) apply until National Gas has given written approval of the plan so submitted.
In relation to any work to which sub-paragraphs (1) and/or (2) apply, National Gas may require such modifications to be made to the plan as may be reasonably necessary for the purpose of securing its apparatus against interference or risk of damage for the provision of protective works or for the purpose of providing or securing proper and convenient means of access to any apparatus.
Where, under sub-paragraph (6), National Gas requires any protective works to be carried out by itself or by the undertaker (whether of a temporary or permanent nature), such protective works, inclusive of any measures or schemes required and approved as part of the plan approved pursuant to this paragraph, must be carried out to National Gas’s satisfaction prior to the commencement of any specified works for which protective works are required and National Gas must give notice of its requirement for such works within 42 days of the date of submission of a plan pursuant to this paragraph (except in an emergency).
If National Gas in accordance with sub-paragraphs (5) or (7) and in consequence of the works proposed by the undertaker, reasonably requires the removal of any apparatus and gives written notice to the undertaker of that requirement, paragraphs 128 to 130 and 133 to 135 apply as if the removal of the apparatus had been required by the undertaker under paragraph 134(2) (removal of apparatus).
Nothing in this paragraph precludes the undertaker from submitting at any time or from time to time, but in no case less than 56 days before commencing the execution of the specified works, a new plan, instead of the plan previously submitted, and having done so the provisions of this paragraph will apply to and in respect of the new plan.
The undertaker will not be required to comply with sub-paragraph (1) where it needs to carry out emergency works as defined in the 1991 Act but in that case it must give to National Gas notice as soon as is reasonably practicable and a plan of those works and must comply with sub-paragraphs (5), (6) and (7) insofar as is reasonably practicable in the circumstances and comply with sub paragraph (11) at all times;
At all times when carrying out any works authorised under the Order the undertaker must comply with National Gas’s policies for safe working in proximity to gas apparatus “Specification for safe working in the vicinity of National Gas Transmission high pressure gas pipelines and associated installation – requirements for third parties T/SP/SSW/22” (March 2024) and HSE’s “HSG47 (Third Edition) Avoiding Danger from underground services” (2014).
As soon as reasonably practicable after any ground subsidence event attributable to the authorised development the undertaker will implement an appropriate ground mitigation scheme save that National Gas retains the right to carry out any further necessary protective works for the safeguarding of its apparatus and can recover any such costs in line with paragraph 137.