Ordinary watercourses: applying for consent for works - Print version

Who do I get consent from?

If you wish to undertake certain types of work on a watercourse then you need permission from the appropriate body. This depends on whether the watercourse is classed as a ' Main River ' or an 'Ordinary Watercourse'. You can find out what the watercourse is classed as on the Environment Agency Main River map [http://www.gov.uk/government/collections/main-river-map-for-england-proposed-changes-and-decisions].

If the watercourse is classed as Main River, an environmental permit from the Environment Agency may be required, depending on whether the activity is regulated [http://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk-activities-environmental-permits].

Works affecting an Ordinary Watercourse may require consent from Coventry City Council.

Coventry City Council, as Lead Local Flood Authority, assumed responsibility for the Ordinary Watercourse consenting role from the Environment Agency on 6 April 2012, as part of the requirements of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

Why do I need consent?

Under the Land Drainage Act 1991 certain types of work within a watercourse may not be permitted due to the potential increase in flood risk. In order to allow work to take place Coventry City Council can issue consent for a proposed scheme by checking that it does not increase the risk of flooding and that it does not adversely affect the environment.

What type of work needs consent?

Both permanent and temporary works affecting a watercourse may require consent. Temporary works could be the damming of a watercourse to allow permanent work such as the installation of a bridge.

Only certain types of work require consent. When considering if your works require consent, check if they would affect the flow of the watercourse when it is full to the top of the bank. If the flow of the watercourse, when it is full to the top of the bank, will be affected the work will need consent.

Our list of cross sections of consentable activities [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/21116/cross_sections_of_consentable_and_non-consentable_activities] indicates what works may or may not require consent. If you are not sure if your proposals will need consent, then please contact us. If you wish to get advice if it is possible to carry out a scheme without the need for consent please contact us. Work can often be undertaken in more than one manner.

Does the consent have a time limit?

Depending on your proposals, a conditioned consent may be given for you to carry out the work, for example a certain time of year, in order to reduce flood risk and potential ecological damage.

Your consent will also only be valid for a period of three years. This is because the resultant effects of the scheme may change due to other factors that have developed since the application was first made.

How do I apply?

To make an application, fill out the form and return it to us via post or e-mail [/downloads/download/1920/application_for_consent_for_works_affecting_watercourses_andor_flood_defences]. Sufficient additional information must be included in order for us to determine the suitability of your proposals. You must demonstrate that your proposals will not have an adverse effect on flood risk or the environment. You must also submit an application fee. This is currently £50 per structure.

Your application will be determined within two months of receiving a completed application form with appropriate details of your proposals. The information will be reviewed and assigned a consent application number. The application will not be determined until the application fee has been received.

Please read the guidance notes [/downloads/download/1920/application_for_consent_for_works_affecting_watercourses_andor_flood_defences] to ensure you include all the relevant information required for validation.

How do I pay?

You can pay online, using a credit or debit card, using our online payments system [/onlinepayments]. Please note that the account group is 'Planning & developments'.