Electricity lines over property

cosmost

Hi,
I have received a letter from a company saying that I should be able to obtain a 'way leave consent' for my property from the electricity company as there is a power line running over my property (this is just one that runs the electricity to the other homes in the terrace of 5, not full on pylons). They say I should be able to get a lump sum from the elec company, and they are offering to do it for me (!) for 20% plus VAT. Firstly, is this true that I could gain money in this way, and secondly, is this something I can claim for myself, if so, how would I go about it please?
Regards,

Wizzbang

I would be wary if this letter is not directly form the electricity company. I would imagine they are planning to take a hefty cut (if it's genuine) and if they're not- you're going to get scammed. Take it to the CAB, I'm sure they've seen this kind of thing before.

My friends got several thousand when the National Grid wanted to put new pylons in that would run over their home. Apparently there are some health fears connected to living near to pylons and this must be why they pay people off. I imagine they create some noise too, with the constant buzz of electricity overhead.

Be aware, living near to a pylon devalues your property. I'd also want to check that by taking the money you're not signing some kind of waiver, that excuses them from liability if you ever get a health-related condition.

If you do a quick search, you'll find lots of people have been asking the same question in the past. Like:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3693507

and

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1016487

Kayalana99

cosmost wrote: »

Hi,
I have received a letter from a company saying that I should be able to obtain a 'way leave consent' for my property from the electricity company as there is a power line running over my property (this is just one that runs the electricity to the other homes in the terrace of 5, not full on pylons). They say I should be able to get a lump sum from the elec company, and they are offering to do it for me (!) for 20% plus VAT. Firstly, is this true that I could gain money in this way, and secondly, is this something I can claim for myself, if so, how would I go about it please?
Regards,

Did you purchase the property like this? My only thought is has someone else had a pay out when they originally put the lines up agreeing to them going over. If you have purchased the house with them already there, was there anything in your paperwork off the solicitors etc mentioning them?

unforeseen

Wizzbang wrote: »

I would be wary if this letter is not directly form the electricity company. I would imagine they are planning to take a hefty cut (if it's genuine) and if they're not- you're going to get scammed. Take it to the CAB, I'm sure they've seen this kind of thing before.

My friends got several thousand when the National Grid wanted to put new pylons in that would run over their home. Apparently there are some health fears connected to living near to pylons and this must be why they pay people off. I imagine they create some noise too, with the constant buzz of electricity overhead.

Be aware, living near to a pylon devalues your property. I'd also want to check that by taking the money you're not signing some kind of waiver, that excuses them from liability if you ever get a health-related condition.

If you do a quick search, you'll find lots of people have been asking the same question in the past. Like:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3693507

and

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1016487

This is not high voltage pylons but just standard 240V mains feeding the other (and probably the OPs) house.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

have you got a BT pole as well?

Might as well go for the double whammy, though, don't hold your breath.

Broken_Biscuits

The company that wrote to you will most likely have written to all your neighbours that are affected also. They will not be working for free so be careful before you sign up with them.

Usually a way leave agreement will involve annual payments to you, not just a one off payment, so again be wary of this approach for just a one off payment.

You may have legal expenses insurance with your home insurance provider. It's worth checking, as even if they cannot appoint a solicitor they will likely be able to give you legal advice.

cosmost

Thank you for your comments, I think I will try CAB and see what they say. There is no pole in the garden, just the line (like a twist of 3 cables) carrying it to the pole, over the garden leading to the wooden pole, from where smaller lines radiate back out to each property. I have looked at the other thread now, thanks Unforeseen, so I think I may investigate further, but not with thee company who has contacted me as they seem to charge if I decided not to do it.

Broken_Biscuits

cosmost wrote: »

Thank you for your comments, I think I will try CAB and see what they say..

This would more likely provide a better outcome for you than citizens advice...

You may have legal expenses insurance with your home insurance provider. It's worth checking, as even if they cannot appoint a solicitor they will likely be able to give you legal advice.