Commercial
We lead on easements and licenses for third-party use of our land. These agreements are commercial.
We collaborate with sectors such as oil, renewables, aggregates, minerals, and both heavy and light industries
Statutory utilities
We manage contracts with statutory utility companies for electricity, water, and gas.
Our tenants approach us to install infrastructure on or near our land. This includes cables, pipes, gantries, pipe bridges, and substations.
Telecomms
We also work with third party telecoms businesses. These tenants are typically telecoms operators which have been granted statutory powers from OFCOM.
We work with mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, cable operators and others.
Asset Protection Site link
Frequently Asked Questions
I need to install utilities / infrastructure on, over or under the railway. Who do I need to contact?
Contact the Asset Protection team (ASPRO) for your area. (Asset Protection and Optimisation – Network Rail). ASPRO will work with you on your design and safe installation process
How do I get permission from Network Rail to install utilities and infrastructure on, over or under the railway?
The process for getting permission is the same, whether you want to install cables, pipes, gantries, conveyors or any other type of infrastructure. Once you have a clear design and method for installation, we’ll process your request through Property Clearance. This is an internal Network Rail consultation needed to satisfy our regulatory obligations. Once approval is granted, we’ll negotiate the legal agreement/s and formally document the rights in a wayleave, easement, deed of grant, lease or other type of property agreement.
Why do I pay clearance costs in advance?
Network Rail is responsible for managing operational railway infrastructure. There are many stakeholders involved in our business. People and companies rely on us to ensure that trains run safely and punctually.
If any proposed engineering works may affect the railway, we must carry out a full consultation with all our stakeholders. This takes time and costs money, but it is an essential part of the process.
Why do I need separate agreements from Network Rail Property and Asset Protection?
A wayleave, easement or other property agreement provides the legal right for a third party to lay and maintain infrastructure on Network Rail land.
Due to the need to protect railway infrastructure, Network Rail’s Asset Protection team often need to complete a basic asset protection agreement (BAPA) with the third party, in addition to the property agreement. This makes sure the design, engineering and safety aspects are all satisfactory before works can start.
Which do I need first; an easement or a basic asset protection agreement?
To ensure proposals are dealt with as quickly as possible, both the property agreement and the basic asset protection agreement can be processed at the same time. It is common for the easement to be completed first once the start date for the planned works is known. Both agreements need to be completed before any works start.
How much do we charge?
For utility operators, we have an agreed arrangement for payment.
For commercial companies or organisations needing an easement for business purposes, the cost depends on the circumstances. Once all the detail is confirmed and clearance has been approved,
we will carry out a professional valuation. We will discuss this with you along with other terms of the easement agreement.