Electrification and its implications for Bath's heritage (merged topics)

[whole diary]

[Electric train]

Do Network Rail need the permission of the local authority to build a fence on their property? I thought as a 'statutory undertaking' they didn't need planning permission from LAs, rather the application is made to the Secretary of State for Transport.

This is a complex area certain things Network Rail can do without seeking planning consent, usually consultation is done with the LA.  A permanent fence could be erected if the ORR^» (Office of Rail and Road, formerly Office of Rail Regulation - about) (HMRI^▸ (His Majesty's Railway Inspectorate)) placed an improvement notice or Prohibition notice on Network Rail it would appear the the ORR are sitting on the fence on this one though as they know the level of public opinion so have just raised safety concerns with Network Rail.  School holidays and in particular the latter end of August (kids get board) have the highest levels of trespass and vandalism.

[Rhydgaled]

From the picture of Sydney Gardens earlier on, it looks a bit difficult. However, there is a wall and a railway is dangourous enough anyway, if there hasn't been a fence for years there's no reason why overhead electrification should mean they add a fence. The wires will be high above the heads of foolish trespassers, surely walking on the track you are further from the wires than standing on a platform. In other words, the only real saftey concern is getting hit by a train, which has been that way for years. Maybe they should put some razor wire on the ballast just on the railway side of the wall to deter tresspassing.

As for The Royal Border Bridge, the OHLE^▸ (Over-Head Line Equipment (electrification via catenary)) structures are not really very noticable above the level of the stonework, but I really dislike it when they bolt the legs of OHLE masts to the outside of a bridge like that. Hopefully masts as discrete as those on the Royal Border Bridge can be used for things like the Maidenhead bridge but with the legs of the masts hidden within the walls.

[Electric train]

As for The Royal Border Bridge, the OHLE^▸ (Over-Head Line Equipment (electrification via catenary)) structures are not really very noticable above the level of the stonework, but I really dislike it when they bolt the legs of OHLE masts to the outside of a bridge like that. Hopefully masts as discrete as those on the Royal Border Bridge can be used for things like the Maidenhead bridge but with the legs of the masts hidden within the walls.

The attachment method depends on a number of factors, design if the viaduct, if there is a curve (greater turning moment at the base of the OHLE mast if it has push or pull of the wire this link is to Wharncliffe Viaducthttp://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/205167.

Folks also for get in the romantic age of steam there were hideous telegraph wires as this 1892 image shows  http://www.perivalewood.purplecloud.net/Portway/pages/Hanwell%20Wharncliffe%20Viaduct%201892.htm

[ellendune]

Do Network Rail need the permission of the local authority to build a fence on their property? I thought as a 'statutory undertaking' they didn't need planning permission from LAs, rather the application is made to the Secretary of State for Transport.

The exemptions for statutory undertakers are all set out in the the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (Schedule 2 Part 17 Class A). This would exclude the errection of a fence and so this would not require planning permision.  However the structure concerned is in a conservation area, planning permission may still be required for a fence since it is not one of the matter listed in article 4.

[TonyK]

A permanent fence could be erected if the ORR^» (Office of Rail and Road, formerly Office of Rail Regulation - about) (HMRI^▸ (His Majesty's Railway Inspectorate)) placed an improvement notice or Prohibition notice on Network Rail it would appear the the ORR are sitting on the fence on this one though as they know the level of public opinion so have just raised safety concerns with Network Rail.  School holidays and in particular the latter end of August (kids get board) have the highest levels of trespass and vandalism.