Working with Landowners

Grantors Charter 

Our Grantors’ Charter is a Code of Practice that sets out the standards of care that landowners who have granted wayleaves can expect from us and people working on our behalf. We collaborated with key stakeholders – in particular the two biggest landowner representative bodies in Scotland, the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) and Scottish Land and Estates (SLE) to ensure a quality document was produced. 

The document remains focused on setting out who we are and what our equipment looks like. This will help landowners understand who, in our organisation, they should talk to about matters of concern. 

Agreeing Land Rights

SSEN Transmission’s preference and aim is to secure the necessary land rights to deliver its network by way of voluntary agreement with landowners, tenants and occupiers. Voluntary agreements are typically in the form of wayleaves or deeds of servitude for overhead lines or underground cables, with other types of agreements being more suitable for other infrastructure or works. Where agreement cannot be reached, or where it is foreseeable that a voluntary agreement is not possible within reasonable timescales, or is impracticable, we may use statutory powers under the Electricity Act 1989. This may typically involve the use of compulsory purchase or necessary wayleaves, and in each instance, we will continue to engage with affected parties with a view to reaching a voluntary agreement where possible. We have produced guidance notes on these processes, which are available below.

Electricity Code of Practice

Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) have launched a new Code of Practice for professional work in respect of rights over land for electricity infrastructure, and applies to those professionals acting for electricity licence holders, landowners and occupiers. This Code of Practice has been developed and endorsed by a number of key organisations including all Energy Network Association members, including SSEN Transmission.

This Code of Practice is intended to provide best practice guidance to encourage positive behaviours from professional agents that seek to balance the rights and interests of those who install and operate electricity infrastructure, with those whose land and property is impacted by such equipment. It is not intended to govern or interfere with negotiations in respect of agreements over land, but instead focuses on best practice guidance and will be applied on a voluntary basis. This is a positive step in our ongoing stakeholder strategy and will facilitate all parties in seeking a fair and speedy outcome, in relation to dealing with land rights, which in turn will support crucial project programmes.