A public sewer may be affected by the works.
If the works involve building over or within 3 metres of a minor public sewer (see Guidance Notes), our
formal approval will be required. For larger/deeper sewers, building over will not normally be permitted
and the stand off distance is likely to be greater than 3 metres.
Should the above apply, I attach the following information for your attention:
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Application form for building over or near to a public sewer
Technical guidance notes for building over or near to a public sewer
List of CCTV contractors who have previously carried out work to the satisfaction of Wessex Water.
Important
Sewers and lateral drains recently adopted by Wessex Water (section 105a sewers) may exist on site
however they are to be plotted over time and are not yet shown. This is explained in more detail below.
On 1st October 2011, in accordance with the Water Industry (Schemes for Adoption of Private Sewers)
Regulations 2011, Wessex Water became responsible for the ownership and maintenance of thousands of
kilometres of formerly private sewers and lateral drains (section 105a sewers). Many of these additional pipe
lines run at the rear or side of domestic properties in addition to the existing public sewers shown on our
record plans. They will commonly be affected by extension proposals and either not shown on the public
sewer record plans or their indicated position will be approximate only. More information relating to this
transfer can be found on the enclosed application form. It is important to undertake a full survey of the site
and surrounding land to determine the local drainage arrangements and to contact us at an early stage if you
suspect that a section 105a sewer may be affected.
If you wish to proceed with an application to build over or near to the public sewer(s), please complete and
return to us:
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the enclosed application form
your scheme drawings (in line and section – please accurately plot the position of the public sewer(s).
Please do not scale from our sewer records).
the appropriate fee
a CCTV survey and report (if applicable – a CCTV survey and report is normally only required if you are
building over the sewer or intending to utilise piled foundations).
If, however, the works will not be within three metres of a public sewer (please note – as stated above this
area will increase for critical Wessex Water assets), then confirmation of this will be required in writing from
you and no application will be necessary.
It should be noted that the local council/approved inspector will require a statutory response from Wessex
Water as part of most building regulations applications. We would therefore recommend that this information
is submitted as soon as possible as in some instances such delays may lead to refusal of building regulations
approval. We would strongly advise you not to start work until we have considered your application/letter and
issued our comments.
Please be aware that failure to obtain formal approval from Wessex Water (where applicable) to build over or
near to a public sewer may jeopardise the future sale of your property.
Sewer Connection (If applicable):
If you intend to make a new connection to the sewerage system as part of the development proposal then
notice of intention to connect to a public sewer under section 106 of the Water Industry Act must be given.
All works are to be carried out in accordance with the current edition of sewers for adoption. This is to
include all section 105a sewers which although not always indicated on our record plans are nevertheless
public sewers and you must obtain our approval to connect into these in the same way. The relevant
application form can be downloaded via our website www.wessexwater.co.uk, under the “developers” tab,
or a hard copy can be sent to you upon request.
Should you require further information or assistance please do not hesitate to contact the Sewer Protection
Team on 01225 526333.
Yours sincerely,
Developer Enquiries
Building Near to/Over a Public Sewer – sewer.protection@wessexwater.co.uk
Connecting to a Public Sewer – sewer.connection@wessexwater.co.uk
Team Number – 01225 526333
Web: www.wessexwater.co.uk