Know your rights when contacted by a utility firm
Farmers and landowners need to know their rights when being contacted by a utility firm requiring access on their land for a new scheme, or repairs or renewals of an existing scheme.
Most farmers and landowners will have some kind of utility feature on their land, whether it be an underground pipeline, a radio mast, or an overhead power line, where the utility firm will have statutory powers to enter. It is important that the farmer/landowner knows their rights and that they have a legal entitlement to make a claim for compensation and the cost of being professionally represented is also part of the claim.
What this means is that when your agent is working on your behalf and representing you during the entire process, it will not cost you anything.
It is important to review the proposed scheme, ascertain the statutory implications, and the need to carry out the appropriate record of conditions. Presenting a compensation claim is based on putting the affected party in a position that they would have been if the works had not happened.
Development potential also needs to be considered within the compensation claim.
Utility companies expect to compensate for losses so as soon as you become aware of any potential scheme which will impact your land seek professional advice. This will ensure that all professional losses are identified and claimed for.
Tudor Watkins, partner, Roger Parry & Partners
