Question reference: S6W-22007
- Asked by: Alexander Stewart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 16 October 2023
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Current status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 30 October 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether there are any circumstances in which it would be acceptable or appropriate for an electricity distribution network company to fell trees on land in relation to which a wayleave is in place, but where the landowner has not been informed of the intention to carry out the felling.
Answer
Regulation of electricity networks is reserved to the UK Government. The Electricity Act 1989 schedule 4 sets out the powers that are available to certain distribution network licence holders to fell and lop trees and the circumstances in which such felling and lopping may be carried out. The schedule sets out the duty of the licence holder to give notice to the landowner(s) or occupier(s) of the land of the requirement for this activity and the process which follows thereafter.