On 23 November 2023 National Gas received confirmation of the Compulsory Purchase Order for Western Gas Network Project granted by the Secretary of State.

Notice of the Secretary of State’s decision, has also been published on the government’s “Energy infrastructure development applications: decisions” Gov.UK page, which can be located here

On 20 October 2022 National Grid Gas Plc (“National Grid”) made the National Grid Gas Plc (Western Gas Network Project) Compulsory Purchase Order 2022 to enable it to compulsorily acquire the land and new rights required for the construction and operation of a new 9km section of gas pipeline between Wormington (Gloucestershire) and Honeybourne (Worcestershire); a new 2km section of gas pipeline in Churchover (Warwickshire); works to facilitate pressure uprating of the existing gas pipeline between Felindre (Swansea) and Three Cocks (Powys) and Cilfrew (Neath Port Talbot); and associated works to existing above ground installations (“the Project”).

A copy of the notice confirming the making of the CPO has been served on all those with an interest in the land included in the CPO, displayed on site and published in local newspapers. A copy can be viewed here:

• Download public notice

A copy of the CPO, the Maps which show the land included in the CPO, and the Statement of Reasons which explains why the CPO has been made, and the documents referred to in it, are available to view below:

• Download CPO
• Download CPO Maps
• Download Statement of Reasons (English)
• Download Statement of Reasons (Welsh)

Following objections made to the CPO a public inquiry was held on 9th May 2023.

At the inquiry an Inspector heard evidence from National Gas and the remaining objectors before making a recommendation to the Secretary of State about whether the CPO should be confirmed. With a confirmed Order, National Gas will have powers available to it to compulsorily acquire the land and rights needed for the Project.

National Gas Transmission Plc have requested that the Order is modified to remove the land at Cilfrew, which is no longer needed for the project.

National Gas’ Statement of Case and the Core Documents that were presented at the inquiry are available to view below.

Further detail on the compulsory purchase process can be found in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Guidance on Compulsory Purchase Process and The Crichel Down Rules (July 2019), which is available to view and download for free online.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government has also produced booklets and guidance on how the compulsory purchase process works entitled "Compulsory Purchase and Compensation" listed below:

Booklet No. 1 - Compulsory Purchase Procedure.

Booklet No. 2 - Compensation to Business Owners and Occupiers.

Booklet No. 3 - Compensation to Agricultural Owners and Occupiers.

Booklet No. 4 - Compensation for Residential Owners and Occupiers.

The booklets are available to view and download for free online.

If you would more information about the CPO or the Project please contact National Gas’s appointed land agents, Fisher German (Joe Senior) by telephone on 07817119488 or by e-mail to [email protected].

Unsealed electronic copies of the CPO and Maps are available here for ease of viewing on this platform.

National Gas’ Statement of Case and the Core Documents that will be relied upon at the inquiry are available to view below.

In accordance with Rule 15 of the Compulsory Purchase (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 2007, the National Gas’ Statements of Evidence were served on PINS, PINS Cymru, the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero and the remaining objectors on 18 April 2023, copies of which are available to view below.