At the recent Planning for Housing Conference held at the Emirates Stadium in London, Craig Dixon-Goode, head of utilities at TEM Planning, warned of the dangers and issues that can arise when failing to address utilities before starting a project.

“If there was a utilities aspect earlier on, not only would sites become slightly more economical to deliver, [but] time scales would be vastly reduced.”

‘The first time that you know you have a massive water main is when you hit it’

Craig also highlighted the problems that can arise when some developers have failed to recognise where utilities are located when starting a project.

“Because of the way the various networks were constructed in this country, it is quite often the first time that you know you have a massive water main or a massive pipeline or electricity cable is when the digger hits it.

 “Increasingly I don’t think I am aware of a site where there hasn’t been a problem with some sort of delivery in terms of utilities.”

‘Keep being a terrier’

Craig warned developers that it can sometimes take up to 18 months before some utilities companies can even consider getting supplies to a site, but provided advice on how to speed that process up.

“The headline bit of advice to take away if you have any issues like this is to just keep picking up that phone, keep sending the emails, keep making a nuisance of yourself and keep being a terrier, because your site is competing against other sites in the area.”

Craig admitted some problems could arise where the developer would struggle to make a difference.

“When it comes to utilities, you are also competing against all of their network problems and all of their faults as well.

“If you get to a position where they arrange to put all your power on [on] a specific date [and] then there is a massive storm the day before, your power won’t be going on [on] that date.

“This is because … they’ll be tasked with getting people back on supply.

“So no matter how much you stamp your feet and complain [that] you need your power on, they really won’t give you any credence because if they don’t get [their] customers back on supply, they face some significant fines.”

‘Utilities are often undervalued’

Utility Networks, a division of the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), has also provided advice on how developers can avoid major delays due to utility connection issues.

It felt that organising utility connections was often the single most common cause of delays in construction projects.

“The reality is that they have a better chance of staying on schedule when architects, consultants, contractors and developers factor in detailed utility designs much earlier,” said Utility Networks.

“Utilities are often undervalued and brought in too late to the party.

“Yet doing so can have major consequences for all.”

‘Engage with us early’

Utility Networks found the three main issues developers faced were: the network connection, location of infrastructure and metering.

It felt that it was crucial that utility providers were engaged when planning permission had been granted.

“There are plenty of resources where information can be obtained; the Distributor Network Operator (DNO) companies and the water industry all have their requirements for design available on their individual websites.

“For gas it is a little more difficult, due to competencies and regulation, the codes of practice have to be purchased from the Institute of Gas Engineers and Managers.

“That said Utility Connection Providers (UCP) are more than happy to help and guide developers to solve their problems.

“A list of these providers can be found on the EUA website.

“Ensure also that a Lloyds accredited company is engaged – it is your safeguard to know that they are competent.

“Remember: it is never too early to plan, but it can so easily be too late.”