Please provide information relating to the installation of an underground pipe network using trenches and metal pipes to provide hot water to a variety of end users in the city of Exeter.
1. An economic impact assessment of the consequences of the anticipated disruption.
This information is not held by Devon County Council.
2. Are there any regulations or guidelines regarding the advisability or necessity to obtain an economic impact assessment of the proposals and possible alternative methodologies?
Devon County Council is not aware of any requirements on a highway authority to require an economic impact assessment in relation to section 50 highway licences, or in the provision of a statutory response to planning applications.
3. Has expert advice been obtained or opinion sought regarding possible alternatives to the use of metal pipes in trenches eg horizontal directional drilling with or without the use of PEX pipes or other similar methods that have been employed both within the UK and especially abroad to minimise disruption?
As a ‘street authority’ the County Council has a statutory duty to coordinate and manage road space on its network and will liaise with works promoters to gain their cooperation in that endeavour.
Discussions have taken place with the works promoter about alternative pipe constructions and excavation methodologies.
Any form of directional drilling or pipe jacking is considered unviable due to the dimensions of the hole required and the accompanying size of the launch pit which would be necessary. There is also impracticality due to the high level of utility services already set within the carriageway.