Project brief:

The Great Grid Upgrade is the largest overhaul of the electricity grid in generations, designed to increase the grid’s capacity for clean energy and ensure energy security for future generations. One of the key components of the grid upgrade is the Sea Link project, a proposed 134 km underground and offshore cable.

TerraQuest was engaged to lead the land referencing work for the Sea Link project, playing a critical role in preparing essential documents required for the Development Consent Order (DCO) submission. These included the Book of Reference, Land Plans, and other key documents. Our involvement was crucial in ensuring that all legal and regulatory standards were met.

‍

Our solution:

As industry leaders in land referencing, TerraQuest applied our expertise to provide a comprehensive solution for the Sea Link project. Our approach included:

• Ownership constraint mapping: We conducted high-level ownership constraint mapping to support siting and routing workshops, helping to identify potential risks and challenges early in the project.

• Desktop referencing: TerraQuest thoroughly identified all parties listed on title, including their rights, restrictions, and easements, ensuring accurate documentation for the DCO process.

• Site enquiries and survey consent: We collaborated with engineering and environmental teams to identify landowners requiring survey consent, managing site enquiries and issuing requisitions as needed.

• Consultation and negotiation support: TerraQuest supported public consultations through notice services and site notice postings. We developed detailed plans to assist in negotiations with landowners, facilitating smooth access agreements.

• Land & Property Portal: TerraQuest provided access to a central database for land referencing data, allowing stakeholders to overlay land data with design drawings for informed decision-making.

• DCO documentation: Our team prepared the Book of Reference and Land Plans, ensuring that all legal and regulatory requirements for the DCO submission were met with accuracy and efficiency.

‍

Outcome:

TerraQuest's leadership in land referencing ensured the DCO submission process for Sea Link project was expertly handled from start to finish. By providing early sight of land information, potential risks were identified and managed proactively, preventing delays and complications. The introduction of the Land & Property Portal provided a centralised source of data, which improved collaboration between teams and ensured transparency in decision-making.  TerraQuest’s tactful communication with landowners and stakeholders ensured seamless consultation processes and streamlined negotiations for land access.

Our efforts ensured the consultation and DCO processes for the Sea Link project proceeded smoothly We take pride in offering the highest quality referencing services, approaching each project stage with industry-leading precision and care to ensure the seamless submission of DCOs for essential national infrastructure.