DNO curve ball - Section 37?

[New to this]

Hi, not sure which forum was the right one so opted for this one.  Our new build is in the garden of our existing bungalow, the last property on a low voltage line. 
Despite over 2 years back and forth with the DNO for quotes for the connection, I've discovered today that they can't do my connection without it going to Parliament (??) to the Secretary of State, under the 1989 Section 37 legislation. The existing bungalow, being the last of the line, and despite having a main electricity line to the pole outside, is not allowed to be followed on by any further build, without said sign off.  Which apparently typically takes about a year.  

 

I am adding this in as an edit - I don't think it's the Sec of State, reading this from the DNO's own website:-

A Section 37 application is a two-part process involving an initial application to the local planning authority followed by an application to the appropriate Ministry:-

Scotland - Scottish Government Energy Consent Unit

England / Wales - The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

There are certain circumstances where a supply may be provided to a single customer at less than 33kV without the need to obtain a section 37 Consent. In these situations, it is still necessary to consult with the local planning authority before constructing the line. Where an existing line serving one customer is subsequently required to serve further customers, a retrospective Section 37 Consent will be required.

Section 37 consent can also apply in cases where underground cables are being installed from an existing overhead line, where retrospective Section 37 may be required. Where it is necessary to modify an overhead line, Section 37 may be required or in certain circumstances, works may be carried out under the provisions of the requisite Overhead lines (Exemption) Regulations.

To say I'm reeling is an understatement. I'm desperate to research whatever I can find now about others who've maybe found themselves in this position, did you manage to deal with it, how, costs etc and what on earth can I be trying next!?  

Apparently "the quote team should have spotted this" ... but I can see no advantage in my pressing the red button with the DNO, it won't alter the position I'm in now, nor the timescales to overcome it.  

Edited 22 hours ago by New to this
to include info from DNO website

[JohnMo]

Sounds like loads of PV, battery and generator is required - if you an get mains gas run the generator from that, exhaust heat exchanger, to do the heating while generator is on. And some batteries.

[NSS]

Probably an obvious question that you'll already have looked at, but can power be brought to the plot from a different source/direction?

[New to this]

10 hours ago, JohnMo said:

Sounds like loads of PV, battery and generator is required - if you an get mains gas run the generator from that, exhaust heat exchanger, to do the heating while generator is on. And some batteries.

Self sufficiency? Sadly roof shape isn't ideal for that option and we're heavily shaded on the East-South. We had hoped for a modest array on three sides of the hipped roof, but nowhere near what we would need. No mains gas (rural). 

[New to this]

10 hours ago, NSS said:

Probably an obvious question that you'll already have looked at, but can power be brought to the plot from a different source/direction?

I love obvious questions - they are the ones I usually overlook!!!  No the 'other' direction is hugely expensive due to distance, complex due to actively agricultural fields between us (which increased cost due to depth of excavation 1000mm instead of typically lower amounts. 

[MikeSharp01]

Let's hope someone here has some ideas for you as otherwise pragmatism rules and you will need to get that planning application in and start the process. You may just be able to amend your existing planning enough to encompass the requirements. As long as you can be confident you would get it out of the other end there is no reason not to carry on with the build and use a generator to supply power when needed to the site or perhaps your neighbour would allow a hefty extension lead to be run.

[torre]

Is your existing supply single or three phase? If the latter then I think suppliers will allow separate meters on each phase (I think it's come up on this forum before)

[New to this]

1 hour ago, torre said:

Is your existing supply single or three phase? If the latter then I think suppliers will allow separate meters on each phase (I think it's come up on this forum before)

Thank you, such a good idea but sadly we're on a low voltage single phase line down a country lane! 

[New to this]

@MikeSharp01 when you talk about Planning in this context, what were you thinking please?  I'm not getting any sense from the DNO that I need Local Authority involvement (unless Highways end up being involved) - I think it's a case of waiting for the relevant government department to (hopefully) rubber stamp the application. I could, of course be very wrong! 
For context, I have full planning permission for my development and groundworks start next week. For the last couple of years, the DNO have consistently told me to "wait until I am just weeks away from having the building up, into which the supply will run and smart meter be installed" which is how I'm only finding out now, from the site inspection side of SSEN that there's this issue with the 'last property on the line".

[Roger440]

I know you dont want to, but id be talking to these guys for an "all in the box" solution.

 

I found them very helpful when i was looking at an off grid property. At the very least it will give you an idea of whats possible and the costs.

 

https://www.energy-solutions.co.uk/applications/off-grid/easygrid

[NSS]

Probably another dumb question, but would it be possible to tap into the supply before it reaches the existing property, connect the new build and then continue on to the existing, hence meaning it's still the last in the line? 

 

Okay, I'll get my coat.

[New to this]

7 hours ago, Roger440 said:

I know you dont want to, but id be talking to these guys for an "all in the box" solution.

 

I found them very helpful when i was looking at an off grid property. At the very least it will give you an idea of whats possible and the costs.

 

https://www.energy-solutions.co.uk/applications/off-grid/easygrid

Thanks Roger, I will look into that - no harm in researching it

[New to this]

6 hours ago, NSS said:

Probably another dumb question, but would it be possible to tap into the supply before it reaches the existing property, connect the new build and then continue on to the existing, hence meaning it's still the last in the line? 

 

Okay, I'll get my coat.

@NSS not stupid at all - that's exactly what we discussed when the site inspector came today. All depends on the neighbour now to grant permission to use their pole and dig their garden - great shout though

[ProDave]

Can someone explain what this Section 37 is?

 

I can't see why the DNO won't just upgrade their network and quote for the work needed.  It almost sounds to me like there is a party being uncooperative and not allowing them access to something and they are having to force it through some legal process?

[MPx]

Yes, this all sounds postively weird!  I've recently had the National Grid out to our plot.  We will be an infill between what are currently the last two properties on the line of the (overhead cable) run.  The NG inspector suggested taking the supply from the last pole in my neighbours garden, but given the trolling we had through the planning stages I'm sure they wouldn't give us a cold let alone a wayleave. So the answer for us was to pay for a new pole (mid way between the last two on the run) and make our connection there.  The pole has been "planted" and the connection is due next Tuesday.  Didn't seem to be a problem for NG - from enquirey to installation much quicker than a water supply.  Sounds like properly bad luck for you...I wish you well.

Edited 1 hour ago by MPx

[NSS]

16 minutes ago, New to this said:

@NSS not stupid at all - that's exactly what we discussed when the site inspector came today. All depends on the neighbour now to grant permission to use their pole and dig their garden - great shout though

🤞🏻