“Timely delivery of the land was a significant risk to the project, however CJ Associates have demonstrated their in-depth understanding of the land acquisition process and the use of compulsory purchase powers. They have expertly managed the process, along with TfL group property, with all stakeholders including land owners and other affected third parties, so that all the land and property required for the project has been available as required. I am pleased to recommend their expertise in the management of the land acquisition process and their wider stakeholder and community relations skills.”
Ashok Kotari | Head of Programme Management, Parsons Brinckerhoff, East London Line Project
London Overground East London Line
Client: Transport for London/Parsons Brinckerhoff
Overview
The extended East London Line from Highbury & Islington to West Croydon, Crystal Palace and New Cross opened in 2010 and forms a key part of the London Overground network providing fast and frequent train services between London’s eastern and southern suburbs.
We were retained to carry out the role of Land Access Controller by the TfL/Parsons Brinckerhoff Programme Management Team. We also provided stakeholder and community relations support for the demolition of a major bridge structure at Liverpool Street Station and acted as Consents Manager for the Balfour Beatty Carillion joint venture.
Key Services
Consents, Town Planning, Land and Property
- Identification and delivery of all land and property to meet the requirements of the construction programme.
- Management of the issue of all statutory compulsory purchase notices were served under the TWA Orders and managed negotiations for acquisition of additional land required.
- Negotiated relocation of a ‘city farm’, various road closures and the use and reinstatement of public open space.
- Reviewed the scheme against TWA Order powers and constraints contained in Undertakings and Assurances.
- Liaised with the planning team on programme for obtaining all necessary consents and co-ordinated with planning authorities to obtain approval of reserved matters including heritage and conservation consents and discharge of noise and vibration conditions.
- Liaised with Network Rail, TfL Group Property and affected land owners on ‘over site’ development at Dalston and Bishopsgate.
Stakeholder Engagement & Consultation
- Development of a Community Relations Strategy, Noise Insulation and Temporary Re-housing Policy and an Environmental Mitigation Plan for the demolition of Bridge GE19 over the Great Eastern Railway.
- Securing budgetary approval for the environmental mitigation proposals through the Project Board.
- Management of interfaces between major stakeholders TfL, Network Rail, and LB Tower Hamlets during the preparation and planning for the operation.
- Implementation of the Community Relations Strategy over a 6 month period with the local community, including residents, housing associations and businesses.
- Management of the implementation of the Environmental Mitigation Plan which included temporary re-housing of over 400 local residents during the period of the works.
- Management of Community Relations and handling of complaints from the public during the operation
Value Added
Access to worksites to meet the requirements of the contractor’s construction programme was a critical workstream for TfL with significant risk of delay to the project. As Land Access Controller we ensured that all land and property that needed to be acquired by TfL for the project under the Transport and Works Act Order was available with vacant possession in accordance with the construction programme. Our team also managed complex community relations activities including noise mitigation for this major and potentially very disruptive demolition activity in the heart of a very sensitive residential area, resulting in no adverse publicity or complaints.
