B.T. Want to dig up my field

[vinnie123]

the telecoms gang are in our area at the moment preparing to get the fibre broadband up and running, they are currently checking ducting etc ready for final fitting.........well.....it turns out when the phone lines were buried in what is now our fields they didn't bother with the ducting, they now need to lay a duct to fit cabling.

What is the form with this type of activity? Do they have rights to carry out this work? Is there a set rate of compensation for loss of grazing? (Permanent pasture)

 

[solo]

You should have a wayleave agreement which may help otherwise use Nfu callfirst if you are a member will point you in the right direction. I think you can get an agent involved and the utility company should pay their fees. There was an article in the last month or so about this in farmers weekly.

 

[Av Gorritt]

Before you do anything , contact a reputable land agent , I'm absolutely sure that the utility company will have to pay his expenses , on the grounds that an "ordinary" farmer will not have the expertise or knowledge to deal with such matters . In fact I believe that the utility companies actually prefer to deal with a pro. He will know things that you can only dream of and will probably claim for items you wouldn't even consider . (And don't even spit out in their presence unless he's there to hold your hand . ) Farming a utility company is often a sight better than milking cows for instance .!

 

[kiwi pom]

I suppose it depends how much is on your land. 1000 metres through half a dozen hedges, probably need an agent, if its across the corner of a 2 acre paddock is it worth it?

 

[Dukes Fit]

It shouldn't be a big hassle, I used to plough in duct for BT with a Case tool carrier and vibe plough in the mid 2000's when they big push for broadband nationwide was on.

Used to lay the empty duct and tape together and left very little mess at all. Fujitsu Siemens would then come along and either winch the fibres through or blow them up the duct with compressed air.

Ask if it's possible to mole it in.

 

[Surgery]

openreach are the worst service of all.

Might well be different in your case but we have found their attitude terrible and forever being passed from office to office , department to department , truly a shocking setup and I would make sure every I and t are dotted and crossed

 

[Surgery]

I take it it is openreach , if not please mind my ranting !

 

[landslave the 2nd]

What depth ?...........think about old drains.......NEW wet areas .....getting water away to ditch all need to be considered

 

[franklin]

Or look at it this way - you might end up with really good broadband

 

[Tarw Coch]

Or look at it this way - you might end up with really good broadband

I'd much rather have crap broadband and them leave my fields alone.
After a bad experience with Severn Trent and a sewage pipe I hope I never have to grant access to anyone again.

 

[Wombat]

just remember when they lay a duct they can put stuff through it without asking

 

[milkloss]

Or look at it this way - you might end up with really good broadband

I expect the chance would be a fine thing. It'll sail straight past unless you can prevent access until they guarantee they'll provide you a connection.

Get a good agent, it's how the world goes round nowadays.

 

[pappuller]

Don't let them enter your property at all until you have got good representation from a land agent who is reputable as any loss or damage is reclaimable from them. Good advise is always the cheapest !!!

 

[Dr Evil]

They have full time professionals working for them to put a value on the work/access/damage they do- who know full well what they should pay, and what they can get away with.

Don't mess about- they'll have to pay all your costs anyway...

 

[oldoaktree]

Few years ago BT open reach had to put a new cable up my old farm road to server me and serval other properties with high speed broadband line . It was part of the rual upgrade of broadband, by the by my service wasn't any better once the new line was installed.
After a lot of saying no we need more for the damage you will do we had to agree on a price per metre or you will be over ruled by local government ( aka compulsory purchase) and get less .
Now canny firm from Kendal way came and did it and after a week or so you could hardly tell where they'd been . It was a bit like an off set subsoiler on the back of a little 40 hp tractor which got it right up next to the fence along the side of the road.
When I cut the grass with the ride on a few months later you couldn't tell where he'd been.
An agent won't get you a better deal I'd say they'll just charge you to get what you will get any way

 

[Matt L]

We put in a lot of ducting for bt projects all over the uk using our vibratory plow. It will go to 1000mm deep. We will also repair any land drains we come across.

I have posted a picture of it in kevs diary thread

 

[vinnie123]

Or look at it this way - you might end up with really good broadband

I know , can't wait! It is sh!t at the moment and surprised they are getting on so soon, I thought we'd be looking at another five years!

 

[Robigus]

Get the best and most experienced agent available. BT will pay his fees for you.

 

[Tarw Coch]

Get the best and most experienced agent available. BT will pay his fees for you.

That way at least someone will make some money out of it!

 

[oldoaktree]

That way at least someone will make some money out of it!

Said with experience no doubt