Private wayleaves

As a renewables developer I often have to deal with situations where a grid connection cable requires to cross private land. Utility companies are entitled to take Necessary Wayleaves if required and they pay a standard rate. However, non utility developers are not given the same rights and as a result private landowners see this as a ransom situation and valuable resources are taken up paying exorbitant fees to private landowners for rights to lay link cables for projects - and in some cases, projects cannot go ahead.
My idea is that private renewables developers should have the same rights to necessary wayleaves.

Why the contribution is important

It would prevent landowners gouging renewables projects for unearned ‘ransom’ fees - and it would stop landowners preventing renewable projects.

It would ensure that capital is allocated efficiently to furthering renewable development, instead of being mis-allocated to rentier landowners.

by MelvilleStreetMan on August 25, 2022 at 02:34PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.1
Based on: 8 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Tony August 25, 2022 at 15:02

    An excellent idea. Although not in Scotland I am aware of developers maintaining a "ransom strip" to extort money from the community - extending the existing system would be a good idea (with sufficient safeguards of course).

  • Posted by n02c02 August 25, 2022 at 19:52

    A good idea if it also stipulates the developer must return the land to the condition it was in before the wayleave was granted.

  • Posted by LJ August 25, 2022 at 21:05

    I’m not knowledgable in this area, but I think private land owners should be compensated properly for the inconvenience of having their land dug up and most definitely it should be returned to its original condition. Just imagine how you would feel if someone said they were going to dig up your garden to lay a cable. Is the standard rate that utilities pay fair and reasonable? Does it adequately compensate the land owner? If not, then it isn’t fair and reasonable.

  • Posted by AlasdairPhilips August 27, 2022 at 13:54

    It would need careful caveats and protections. Private developers are usually looking for a high (at least a good) profit. People do not necessarily want their land dug up just because some private developer wants to start a development nearby.

  • Posted by AngelaMLAnderson September 01, 2022 at 15:16

    I think there needs to be a balance and there is currently little respect for communities and land and landscape . Unfotuntely people in some areas do "live by eating the scenery". Outright abandonment of rights can have dire consequences.
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