Why Getting Land Referencing Right Matters
Land referencing is the process of identifying all interests that are affected by a utilities and infrastructure scheme and who may have a potential claim arising from the impact of the scheme going ahead. This information on the ownership and rights to land will be the key items of data to stakeholders throughout the life cycle of a project.
It is the essential first stage of any utility or infrastructure scheme and the initial approach to a landowner or occupier often sets the tone for future negotiations. We understand how crucial this first contact can be to successful project delivery as establishing accurate information from the outset helps build trust, supports clear communication, and reduces the risk of delays later in the process.
Supporting project timelines and statutory processes
Accurate records of land ownership and occupation are required throughout the development of a project. They are fundamental to securing land access for surveys, managing stakeholder engagement, serving legal notices, and submitting applications for Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO) and land acquisition. If this information is incomplete or incorrect, the entire project timeline can be placed at risk, potentially leading to delays, additional costs, and legal complications.
Land referencing is not limited to the footprint of permanent infrastructure. For example, on wind farm developments, access requirements often extend well beyond the turbine locations themselves. The delivery of large turbine components frequently requires temporary access across private land to accommodate abnormal loads, crane pads, widening of tracks, or temporary compounds.
Accurate land referencing ensures that all landowners and occupiers affected by these access routes are identified early, allowing the necessary access rights to be secured in advance of construction. Without this work, delivery programmes can be delayed at a critical stage of the project, particularly where transport routes cross multiple ownership boundaries.
Starting early
Land referencing should begin at the earliest stage of any project. Starting early allows sufficient time to verify ownership, confirm occupation, resolve discrepancies in land records, and maintain accurate datasets as the scheme evolves.
The role of technology in modern land referencing
Technology now plays a central role in modern land referencing. At Bell Ingram, bespoke GIS systems are used to record, analyse, and display landownership and occupier information, including the preparation of landownership maps and plans. These systems help ensure accuracy, improve efficiency, and provide clients with clear, reliable ownership information.
For more information on our Land Referencing services visit: bellingram.co.uk/utilities/land-referencing/
