The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV), and Energy Networks Association (ENA) endorsed a new Code of Practice launched today for professional work in respect of rights over land for electricity infrastructure. This applies to those acting for an electricity undertaker, farmers, or landowners.

Electricity infrastructure projects require rights over farms and other land, impacting owners, tenants, users and their businesses. All their interests must be properly recognised when undertaking these actions.

The Code of Practice, whose production was led by the CAAV, is best practice guidance for professionals, acknowledging their crucial role delivering electricity infrastructure whilst ensuring those who host such equipment on land are properly and fairly advised, represented and treated. It was developed with an expert working group which included electricity licence holders, those who advise farmers and landowners and their membership organisations.

Minister for Energy, Michael Shanks, said:

“Securing Britain's clean energy future means improving infrastructure in a cost-effective way to get renewable electricity on the grid. Without this infrastructure, we will leave families exposed to unstable fossil fuel markets and energy price spikes.

“We want landowners hosting vital electricity network infrastructure to be partners in this.

“That’s why we are endorsing the Central Association for Agricultural Valuers’ Code of Practice which sets out best practice advice for those who install or operate electricity infrastructure and those who host it.”

David Sandbrook Chair of RICS Land and Natural Resources Professional Group Panel, said:

“The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is delighted to fully endorse this Code and we are pleased to have been engaged with its production. It provides all professionals engaged in this strategically crucial area of work with a document outlining a clear route for good behaviour in this area of practice.”

Rebecca Collins of the CAAV, chairing the working party, said:

“We have worked hard to prepare this guidance to support all professionals, whether in delivering projects or advising landowners. The more that the issues are handled properly and professionally by all, each recognising the interests of the other, the more this important work can proceed effectively. Poor practice can lead to delay, cost and confrontation.”

 Lawrence Slade, CEO of ENA, said:

“Today’s Code of Practice, co-created by ENA, CAAV and our partners, is an important and practical step towards making sure the land rights and consenting system is fair and efficient for everyone. The impetus to create the Code of Practice reflects how important this issue is for network operators.

More widely, we are continuing to call for the reform of the planning process around network infrastructure so that it becomes fairer and faster for everyone, as this is one of the most important steps the UK can take to secure the clean, affordable energy we need in the future. It’s imperative that the Government maintains the pace of planning reform as today’s planning procedures represent a significant brake on progress towards achieving the UK's strategic clean energy goals.”