When is consent required?
Consenting is a separate process to planning applications.
Consents are required:
- Where discharge into a watercourse, water body or sewer is proposed.
- Before piping/culverting or obstructing a watercourse, whether permanent or temporary.
- If as part of the construction of development, works are planned to any watercourse.
- For repairs to certain existing structures and maintenance works.
The requirement for consent from the relevant authority applies even if planning permission has been granted. Consents should be considered at an early stage. For information, see the UK Government Guidance on works to watercourses.
| Watercourse or drainage system | Consent required | Seek consent from: |
|---|---|---|
| Main river | Flood Risk Permit | Environment Agency |
| IDB watercourse | Land Drainage Consent | Somerset IDB Consortium |
| Ordinary watercourse (all other ditches, drains or streams) | Land Drainage Consent | Somerset Council (Lead Local Flood Authority) |
| Surface water/ Combined sewer | Section 106 Agreement | Thames Water |
Land Drainage Consent
Works to a rural ordinary watercourseFor discharge into or works on non-Main Rivers, a Land Drainage Consent is required. Where the watercourse is classified as an Ordinary Watercourse, consent is obtained from Somerset Council, unless it is within a Somerset Drainage Boards Consortium IDB area.
Check the map of the IDB boundaries to find out if your site is in an IDB area.
- It must be demonstrated that high levels in the receiving watercourse would not restrict the designed drainage system, and cause flooding.
- Alternatively, the drainage system must be able to retain water for periods during which discharge to the river cannot take place.
- Development next to ordinary watercourses should maintain a minimum 6m wide buffer strip alongside either bank of the watercourse. This allows access for maintenance and inspection, encourages vegetation to grow and stabilise banks, and provides a corridor for habitat and amenity.
Flood Risk Permit
Watercourse in Somerset LevelsFor discharge into or works on a Main River, a Flood Risk Activity Environmental Permit from the Environment Agency may be required. More information on whether you need an Environmental Permit and the forms you need to submit can be found here.
Check the location of watercourses classified as Main River below:
Connection/diversion of sewer
Connection into a public sewer
For connection into a public sewer, a Section 106 Agreement with Wessex Water is required. Further information on what is required for a Section 106 Agreement can be found here: Wessex Water - Connecting to a public sewer (WWDS-DEV 016G)
Photo credit: Water Industry Journal
Diversion of a sewer
If diversion of a sewer is proposed, a minimum buffer strip of 3m on either side of the pipe is required. Further information on diversions can be found here: Wessex Water - Sewer diversion (WWDS-DEV 014G)
Photo credit: Anglian Water