Land Drainage Consent

The Council, together with the Environment Agency, is responsible for ensuring that owners of ditches and small streams throughout the district look after these features to ensure that water flow and water storage are maximised during periods of very wet weather.

Recent changes in weather patterns have demonstrated the need to keep watercourses well maintained, and it is an offence to obstruct a watercourse.

The Environment Agency and the District Council must approve any proposal that affects a watercourse, including the piping of an open one.  The general policy is that watercourses should not be piped (culverted) unless it relates to creating an access over a watercourse.

To apply for consent, you need to complete a form from the Environment Agency and apply, by letter, to the District Council.  For further information and advice, contact Property & Estates Services on 01225 776655.