Southern Gas Networks hereby gives notice in accordance with the provisions of regulation 14 (5) of the Public Gas Transporter Pipe-line Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1999 that on 24th September 2008 the Secretary of State for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform issued consent for Southern Gas Networks to construct a 23km long, 1200mm diameter natural gas pipe-line from an extension to an existing Above Ground Installation at Farningham (557809 167037) to an existing Above Ground Installation at Hadlow (562347 149334), both in Kent.

The Secretary of State is satisfied that all the requirements of the Regulations as to consultation and publicity in respect of the application for consent and the environmental statement have been substantially met. The Secretary of State has carefully considered the environmental statement which accompanied the application for consent under regulation 14 of the Regulations for the carrying out of the proposed pipe-line. He has also considered the comments which were received in response to the consultation and publicity in respect of the application for consent and the environmental statement and the responses to these comments.

The Secretary of State concludes that:

• a it is desirable that the proposed pipe-line should be carried out in the interests of the development and maintenance of an efficient and economical system for the conveyance of gas as regards the authorised area specified in Southern Gas Networks’ licence as a gas transporter; and
• b given that the route of the pipe-line has been developed to minimise any significant adverse impacts on any sites with statutory designations for their amenity or conservation value and that appropriate management and mitigation measures will be taken to ensure there will be no significant impacts associated with the construction and operation of the pipe-line, any remaining adverse environmental effects will not be such that it would be appropriate to refuse the consent.

The Secretary of State is satisfied that the specific conditions inserted into the consent, as well as the general condition that the pipe-line is to be built in accordance with the specifications in the environmental statement, will avoid, reduce or offset any major adverse effects of the proposed pipe-line.

Copies of the statement and conditions from the Secretary of State may be obtained, free of charge, from Southern Gas Networks on 01865 845938, until 5th December 2008.