Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 2750

Received: 15/08/2025

Respondent: National Gas

Agent: Avison Young

I&O_2916
National Gas Transmission has appointed Avison Young to review and respond to local planning authority Development Plan Document consultations on its behalf. We are instructed by our client to submit the following representation with regard to the current consultation on the above document. About National Gas Transmission National Gas Transmission owns and operates the high-pressure gas transmission system across the UK. In the UK, gas leaves the transmission system and enters the UK’s four gas distribution networks where pressure is reduced for public use. National Gas Transmission assets within the Plan area Following a review of the above Development Plan Document, we have identified one or more National Gas Transmission assets within the Plan area. Details of National Gas Transmission assets are provided below. Asset Description Gas Transmission Pipeline, route: MICKLE TRAFFORD TO DEESIDE Gas Transmission Pipeline, route: SHOCKLACH TO WESTON POINT Gas Transmission Pipeline, route: HELSBY TO SHELLSTAR Gas Transmission Pipeline, route: BRIDGE FARM TO MICKLE TRAFFORD Gas Transmission Pipeline, route: ELWORTH TO MICKLE TRAFFORD Birch_heath_4524 - AGI Gas Transmission Facility Helsby_4115 - AGI Gas Transmission Facility A plan showing details and locations of National Gas Transmission’s assets is attached to this letter. Please note that this plan is illustrative only. Please also see attached information outlining further guidance on development close to National Gas Transmission assets. Utilities Design Guidance The increasing pressure for development is leading to more development sites being brought forward through the planning process on land that is crossed by National Gas Transmission infrastructure. National Gas Transmission advocates the high standards of design and sustainable development forms promoted through national planning policy and understands that contemporary planning and urban design agenda require a creative approach to new development around underground gas transmission pipelines and other National Gas Transmission assets. Therefore, to ensure that proposed Policy DS1 ‘High Quality Design’ is consistent with national policy we would request the inclusion of a policy clause with wording to the following effect: • “Consider existing site constraints, including utilities within site boundaries, in the context of the development.” Further Advice National Gas Transmission is happy to provide advice and guidance to the Council concerning their networks. If we can be of any assistance to you in providing informal comments in confidence during your policy development, please do not hesitate to contact us. To help ensure the continued safe operation of existing sites and equipment and to facilitate future infrastructure investment, National Gas Transmission wishes to be involved in the preparation, alteration and review of plans and strategies which may affect their assets. Please remember to consult National Gas Transmission on any Development Plan Document (DPD) or site-specific proposals that could affect National Gas Transmission’s assets.


Email from Tom Wignall (Planner Avison Young)