BT Openreach - removing two poles and undergrounding cables

Rural_Puppy

Hello all
I found a couple of links to previous posts about this, but none that match what I am trying to do. Looking for advice before I speak to Openreach in case I say the wrong thing!
We are developing a rural property down a long access track. At the side of the track are two BT poles which carry the phone lines into the property. I don't think they serve any other houses. We have a tree on the opposite side of the top of the track which is growing over the cable.
We want to remove the poles, as we think they will impede access for large delivery lorries. We would then want to place the cables underground instead. We would be happy to dig a trench with appropriate conduits to underground the cables.

Questions:
1. Will Openreach be content with us doing the trenching work?
2. What is the likely ballpark cost for Openreach to remove the poles?
3. How long might it take for Openreach to do the job?
4. Anything else I need to be aware of before I call them!

Many thanks in advance for any wise advice!

00ec25

there really is not a tariff for such works, you won't know until you ask them

They'll have to work out how much it will cost them to access your site which is in an unknown location, with unknown access issues, other than it is "rural"

AdrianC

The only question that can really be answered easily is 2.

LOTS.

What makes you think the poles will get in the way of wagons?

Browntoa

If you can do your own trenching it will reduce the cost , put in your own pipework and insert a length of rope from one end to the other so they can pull the cable through.

Ask openreach and discuss with their surveyor what can be done by you

Robin9

How are you going to get the other utilities there ? Electric, water, sewage ????????????

Norman_Castle

We want to remove the poles, as we think they will impede access for large delivery lorries.

Is it the poles or the cable which is in the way? If the lorries will need access just for the renovation they may be able to temporarily re route the cable.

Rural_Puppy

Thanks all for your replies.
The problem is the access track is narrow, and comes off a very narrow C class road, with ditches either side. The poles start near the top of the track, which may make is difficult for a large lorry in reverse to negotiate the tight turn. Turning in forwards is unlikely due to the narrowness of the road, and the tightness of the turn. We own the field beside the track, so could widen it, but the poles would then be right in the way.
Other services are not a problem, but thank you for considering that.

I will contact Openreach and see how we get on.