When do I need land drainage consent or flood defence consent?

Under Section 23 of the Land Drainage Act 1991, consent is required before piping, culverting or obstructing a watercourse – whether permanently or temporarily. This can include installing new headwalls or outfall pipes, and in some cases may apply to repairs and maintenance works.

Who you need consent from depends on the location and classification of the watercourse:

If the watercourse is a Main River, you will need Flood Defence Consent from the Environment Agency.

If the watercourse is within a Drainage Board area (for example, the Axe Brue, Parrett or North Somerset Levels in Somerset), consent must be obtained from the relevant Drainage Board. Note that any activity within 9 metres of a watercourse in these areas requires Drainage Board consent.

If the watercourse is an ordinary watercourse outside a Drainage Board area and is not a Main River, consent must be granted by the local council.

WCI can advise on the correct consenting route for your project and assist with applications.