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Project Spotlight: National Grid EGL1 – Torness to Hawthorn Pit.

19th November 2025

Client Type: Landowners and Tenant Farmers  
Location: Torness, East Lothian (Scotland) to Hawthorn Pit, County Durham (England)  
Sector: Infrastructure  
Implemented by: Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO)  

Project Overview  

The EGL1 project is a strategically significant infrastructure initiative led by National Grid to develop a new “electrical superhighway” between Torness in East Lothian and Hawthorn Pit in County Durham. This cross-border energy project is being delivered under a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) and involves significant land access and acquisition impacts for landowners and tenant farmers across the proposed cable route.  

Our Role  

GFW has been formally instructed by a growing number of landowners and agricultural tenants affected by the EGL1 scheme. We provide comprehensive advice and representation throughout the CPO process, ensuring that our clients’ rights are protected and all impacts are fully assessed and compensated.  

Scope of Services Provided  

  • Representation and Advocacy  
    Drafting and submitting formal written representations to National Grid on behalf of clients, articulating concerns and ensuring interests are clearly communicated.  
  • Document Review and Liaison  
    Reviewing all relevant documentation issued by the Acquiring Authority and liaising directly with their representatives to clarify terms and address inconsistencies.  
  • Route and Mitigation Consultation  
    Engaging with National Grid regarding the alignment of the cable route, depth of installation, and proposed mitigation measures to minimise disruption to land use.  
  • On-Site Inspection and Risk Management  
    Undertaking on-site inspections during live works where access is permitted to monitor impacts, identify potential issues (e.g. drainage disruption), and provide proactive mitigation advice.  
  • Access and Survey Agreements  
    Negotiating and agreeing terms for both intrusive and non-intrusive surveys, ensuring minimal disruption and appropriate compensation where applicable.  
  • Loss Mitigation Advice  
    Providing strategic advice to clients on how to minimise operational and financial loss during pre-construction, construction, and post-construction phases.  
  • Compensation Claims and Valuation  
    Preparing detailed claims for disturbance and business losses, both for survey activity and post-construction impacts.  
  • Valuing and negotiating easements  
  • Assessing and advising on injurious affection and severance  
  • Calculating diminution in value of retained land  

Outcome  

GFW continues to act as trusted advisors to multiple landowners and tenants along the EGL1 route, ensuring they are fairly represented and adequately compensated under the CPO process. By combining deep sector knowledge with practical, on-the-ground experience, we help clients navigate complex utility projects with confidence and clarity.  

For more information or support with compulsory purchase matters, contact GFW’s team of experts today.

https://gfwllp.co.uk/compulsory-purchase/

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