Developer Services Portal

Guidance Notes: Please login/sign up to complete this form

The first thing to do is check if your new building is subject to the Building Regulations. If it is then you may be able to utilise our Building Control Protocol Agreement through your building control inspector and you will not need to fill in this form. For more information please see read through our guidance notes in section A: https://developerservices-test.southernwater.co.uk/BuildOver/ApplicationForm

It should be noted that:

Building over or close to public water mains, pumped or vacuum sewer mains is never permitted.

Building over or close to existing sewers on new development sites or re-development sites is never permitted.

If your proposed extension/building is not subject to Building Regulations, or you are not in a protocol area the following guidance will help you to fill out the Declaration of Works application. If your proposals meet the requirements for self certification consent to build over will be provided by letter. See attached tables below.

Within the Southern Water region there are approximately 39,000 kilometres of public sewers, some of which have been laid within the boundaries of properties. As the sewerage undertaker, Southern Water is responsible for maintaining this pipework. In order to comply with the legislation relating to building over/close to and the diversion of public sewers it is necessary for anyone wishing to develop land or extend their property to consult with Southern Water to ascertain its requirements for dealing with any lateral drains or sewers that are likely to be affected by their building proposals.

How can I find out if there is a public sewer on the land?

Visit your local authority and ask to view a copy of the sewer map; or
Write to:
Southern Water Services Limited, LandSearch,
Southern House, Capstone Road, Chatham, Kent,
ME5 7QA

Please state the property address and address to which the plan should be sent together with a cheque for £48.00 (incl 20% VAT) payable to Southern Water Services Limited

We require details of proposals	Approval will be given subject to:-	Formal application to submitted for consent required	Application will be deemed unacceptable
The proposed extension/building works	Your development involves a single or double storey residential extension, conservatory, annexe or garage which is attached to the existing property	If total coverage of the public sewer(s) (foul, surface water or both) exceeds 6 metres (including pipe work already build over).	X Your development involves the construction of a new residential property, the extension of industrial and commercial property or any detached ancillary buildings or structure X The pipe diameter, direction material or gradient changes beneath the area of the proposed build X The size of the pipe is 300mm in diameter or larger X Detached ancillary buildings or structure X If you are unable to relocate the access point, i.e. access is on junction of sewers or a change of direction X Your proposal involves an infill structure from one boundary to another where there are already structures on both sides X Pressurised pipes such as rising mains and water mains
Are you aware of any historic blockages flooding, odour or other operational issues with the sewer/lateral drain	You are not aware of any historic blockages, flooding, odour or other operational issues with the sewer/lateral drain	You have had reason to contact Southern Water or another drainage professional as a result of problems with the sewers or lateral drains within your property within the last 12 months and these have not been repaired as yet
There are no easements or restrictive covenants which would prohibit building	You are not aware of easements or covenants which relate to the pipework which you propose to build near/ over	You are aware of easement/covenants which relate to the pipework which you propose to build near/ over	You are aware of easement/covenants which relate to the pipework which you propose to build near/ over
The sewer or lateral drain is a gravity flow pipe	The pipe freely flows and is not pressurised	This can potentially be resolved if the sewer can be diverted and the customer is prepared to enter into Sewer Diversion Agreement in accordance with S.185 Water Industry Act 1991.	The pipe is a pressurised main
The pipe’s internal diameter	If the pipe has an internal diameter of 150mm (6 inch) or less	If the pipe has an internal diameter of 150mm (6 inch) or less, consent will be issued via letter, if approved. If the pipe’s internal diameter is 225mm (9 inch), consent will be issued via agreement, if approved	If the pipe’s internal diameter is larger than 225mm (9 inch)
The pipe material	Clay, concrete, ductile iron	Non-compliant pipe material can potentially be resolved if the pipework is replaced before building works begin	Pitch fibre, brick, asbestos cement, plastic not able to withstand 4000 psi jetting pressure
Current pipe condition	Pipe is in good condition. This can be established by exposing the length of pipe which is being built over or close to, or the completion of an internal CCTV survey	Poor pipe condition, which can be resolved if the pipe is repaired or replaced	The pipework is found to be defective and is not repaired
The pipe consistency under the new building	The pipe does not change in diameter, direction, material or gradient beneath the proposed new building	Minor pipe inconsistency can potentially be resolved by carrying out agreed minor amendments before building works begin	Diameter, direction, material or gradient clearly changes beneath (or close to) he proposed new building
Depth of the pipe from the existing ground level to the pipe channel (invert)	2.0 metres or less	Consent for building works over or near sewer and lateral drains which are deeper than 3m, will be issued via agreement or money in lieu. Please fill in the build over Application	Sewer depth is greater than 3 metres
Existing access points This relates to manholes, inspection chambers and rodding eyes	Your building will not be over the existing access point and is a minimum of 500mm from the new build	Inaccessible access point issue can be resolved if the affected access can be repositioned or the shape of the build/extension is adjusted to meet this requirement.	You are unable to meet the minimum 500mm clearance requirement or the existing access will be under the new building
Overall length of pipe (sewer / drain) with no external access	You do not intend to build across the full width of your garden. If you do, external access to the sewer is available via the adjacent neighbour’s garden	If you intend to build full width of the garden and there is no external access to the sewer then consent will be issued via agreement. Any existing access points will need to be maintained by carrying out agreed minor alterations.	You intend to build across the full width of your garden and your neighbours have also done the same.
The type of foundation which you intend to use	Your building relies on traditional strip or trench fill foundations.	A detailed assessment of the foundation and its impact may be needed. Consent issued via Agreement	Your building will use another form of foundation design e.g. pad, piling, raft, cantilever, etc.
Foundation positioning Distance between the pipe and foundations	The foundation design protects the pipe where it passes nearby. The foundations which support the wall which do not cross the sewer, must have a minimum 500mm horizontal clearance between the edge of the new foundations and pipe	This can potentially be resolved after a detailed assessment of the foundation and its impact on the pipe. Consent issued via Agreement	Your foundation design cannot achieve 500mm clearance from the pipe or does not satisfy detailed design assessment criteria
Depth of your foundation in relation to the pipe	Your foundations are designed to be at least 150mm below the pipe when located within 1m (horizontally) of the pipe	Alternative foundation proposals will require a consent issued via Agreement	Required foundation depth cannot be achieved
Protecting the pipe where walls/foundation are built and cross over.	Your foundation design complies with the Standards set out within H4 Building Regulations and Southern Water Services design criteria.		The minimum lintel requirements cannot be achieved
Distance between the floor of the new building and pipe	Your design incorporates a minimum of 300mm headroom between the underside of the new floor slab and the pipe.	Insufficient vertical headroom can potentially be resolved if the sewer can be diverted and the customer is prepared to enter into Section 185 Sewer Diversion Agreement Water Industry Act 1991	Your design cannot provide 300mm of headroom between the underside of the new floor and the pipe and the sewer diversion option is not practicable.

Building over sewers

If the proposals do not meet the self-certification points, a build over application form can be downloaded from the following link: https://developerservices-test.southernwater.co.uk/BuildOver/ApplicationForm

Diverting an existing public sewer

If the affected sewer requires a diversion (relocation not replacement of existing line) you will be required to submit a Section 185 application to Southern Water Services: https://developerservices-test.southernwater.co.uk/SewerDiversion/ApplicationForm

What are the standard protective measures?

The attached drawings show the permitted locations of foundations in relation to existing and proposed sewers

In all cases a CCTV survey or exposing the sewer will be required to determine the exact location and/or condition of the affected sewer.
Should the survey or exposing the sewer show that the affected length of sewer is not in a suitable condition to be built over and/ or has a non-compliant pipe material of either pitch fibre, asbestos cement or plastic which is not able to withstand 2700 psi, it must be replaced, at the applicant’s expense with Southern Water certified pipework that is capable of withstanding the required jetting pressure.
Foundations that are to be built within 3 metres of a minor sewer must be taken down to 150mm below the invert level of the affected sewer or lateral drain;
No structures (footings, walls etc.) running parallel to the line of the sewer should be built within 500mm of the sewer (distance measured on plan i.e. in the horizontal);
Any crossings of the sewer must be supported using adequately designed pre-cast or in-situ concrete lintels/ beams.

Piling works for Foundations

Where piling works are proposed the position and condition of the sewer should be established by means of electronic survey. Should the survey show that the sewer is likely to be within three metres of the proposed piles, trial holes must be taken to establish the exact location of the sewer. The piling method e.g. percussive/driven or auger bored and the acceptable distance of the piles from the sewer must be agreed with us prior to the commencement of any work on site. Upon completion of the works a further CCTV survey may be required to ensure that the sewer has not been damaged during the piling operation.
It should be noted that where piling works are to be carried out care must be taken to avoid any damage to the public sewer. Should the survey suggest that the sewer is likely to be within 2 metres of the piling, as in this case, trial holes must be excavated to establish the exact location of the sewer? No piling should be permitted within 1.0m of the sewer. No driven or percussive methods of piling works will be accepted within 3.0 metres of the existing public sewers. Detailed plans and the type piling works to be utilised will be have to be submitted to this office for approval. A repeat CCTV survey will be required on completion of the works to confirm that no damage has been caused as a direct result of any piling works.

Where a public sewer is to be built over its must be in a good condition and in an approval material. (It must be able to withstand a jetting pressure of 2700 psi, stated in (MED 4006 , the Southern Water supplement addendum to Sewer for Adoption 7 th Edition) )

Southern Water approved* materials are:

Vitrified Clay(VC).
Ductile Iron (DI).

The following foundations types over the public sewer are not normally permitted

Pad
Raft
Cantilever foundation

Southern Water does not normally permit this type of foundation as future access to maintain the public sewer and could impact the proposed structure.

Changes in ownership of sewers and lateral drains

On the 1st October 2011 responsibility for private gravity sewers and lateral drains that were constructed and communicating with the public sewerage system prior to 1st July 2011 was transferred to Sewerage Undertakers such as Southern Water. As a result of the transfer, the number of sewers and lateral drains for which Southern Water is responsible has increased by approximately 19,000 km. Many of the transferring sewers and lateral drains had not been mapped and consequently their location and condition is unknown. Due to the absence of detailed information about the transferred sewers and lateral drains it must be presumed that they will be present within gardens and in land to be developed and are therefore likely be affected by any building proposals. You should therefore assume that any sewerage that is currently located on your land or which is discovered during the course of your work is public apparatus and in the ownership of Southern Water unless it can be shown to be otherwise.

Ownership and Typical Build Over Situation

Correspondence Details: Edit

If you would like us to correspond with a party other than the applicant named above , please provide their details below.

Name:

Contact name:(if different)

Address:

Postcode:

Contact Number:

Alternative Contact Number:

Email:

Please click here to read our privacy statement.

Minor Alterations: Edit

Only fill in this section, if there is a requirement for any minor alterations to the existing sewer. Please refer to the guidance notes for information on who will be allowed to carry out this type of work. It should be noted all amendments to the public sewer will have to be undertaken in accordance to Sewers For Adoption (6th/7th edition) standards.

Please indicate the total length of sewer pipe work requiring alterations (in metres):

Please indicate existing pipe material (clay, concrete etc.):

Please indicate the number of manholes that need removed or re-located:

Please indicate the depth of the manhole/s in metres:

Please specify the minor alterations required

Please select one of the following options only: *

Option 1 - Not Applicable

Option 2 - My builder/contactor will carry out the minor alterations

I request that Southern Water Services grant permission to my builder below to undertaken out the minor alterations required to the existing sewer. I understand that Southern Water will make a final inspection and my builder will be responsible for completing any outstanding remedial works.

Builder’s/Contractor details:

Contact Name: *

Company name: *

Address: *

Postcode: * Only select the looking glass if you want to populate a specific address.

Contact Telephone No: *

Email: *

Date works to be undertaken: *

* Read, understood and agree to comply with the Health and safety advisory as published on Southern Water website www.southernwater.co.uk/health-safety-advisory

Yes No

Signed:

____________________________________
on behalf the above named company

Please click here to read our privacy statement.

All minor alterations to existing manhole and/or pipes are less than 3.0 metre deep to invert.

Any changes to pipe work and manhole works will be undertaken to sewers for adoption standards.

I agree to bear all the costs and charges for the minor alterations required.

I agree to pay an additional administration and inspection charge of £84.00

I agree to pay Southern Waters reasonable costs, should additional inspections be required to inspect defective work.

Please note that at least 48 hours notice is required for inspection's works.

Option 3 - I require an estimate from Southern Water under a Section 185 Application.

I agree to bear all the costs and charges for the Section 185 Sewer Diversion Application. A site visit will be arranged with one of Southern Waters term contractors to determine the required minor alterations. A estimated cost/s will be given and agreed before work commences on site.

Option 4 - I require approval under a Build over Application/Sewer Protection Agreement.

I agree to bear all costs associated with a submission of Building Application Over application and if required a Sewer Protection Agreement, as the consent criteria cannot be met. No works will commence on site until such time the conditional approval is given by Southern Water with or without a Sewer Protection Agreement.

Required Documents: Edit

Copies of all drawings submitted for building regulations approval
Site location plan (1:1250 or larger)
Site plan (1:100 or larger showing location of sewers and manholes)

Attach Document(s)

Checklist:

Site boundary clearly shown
Roads clearly shown
Adjacent buildings clearly shown
Private pipe run to Southern Water network clearly shown

Please Note:

Maximum file limit is 50MB
Allowed file types are DOCX, DOC, PDF, XLS, XLSX, JPG, JPEG, BMP, PNG, DWG (auto cad), DXF (auto cad), DGN (microstation), PRP (microstation), PRW (microstation)

Warning! File size too big. Maximum file size 50MB.

Checklist And Declaration: Edit

Please provide the following where applicable and tick the box if enclosed:

Payment enlcosed for Declaration of Work

I have read and understood the guidance notes

My Builder/Contactor will carry out the minor alterations

I accept that this application does not grant planning or building regulations approval for the proposed extension. No works should commence on site until such time written approval has been given by Southern Water Services.

I agree, that for purposes of the Water Industry Act 1991 and the Data Protection Act 1998, that the information provided for this application and all accompanying documents, may be held electronic or other records such as, computer systems and processed by Southern Water Services and its employees and agents for all purposes connected with the Company's statutory water and sewerage undertakings.

Signature:

Full Name:

Date: 22/01/2021

Position: *

Payments & Charges: Edit

Terms and Conditions

Failure to include any of the requested information will be deemed as an incomplete application and may result in this application being delayed/returned. This application DOES NOT mean approval has been granted. No work should commence until written approval has been given by Southern Water.
The contents of the report are for direct use only by the applicant and are to be kept private and confidential. They may only be disclosed to third parties with the written approval of Southern Water. Such third parties to have no subsequent implied or other right to disclose the contents and information to any other parties.

Amount to pay

Application Fee (Declaration of works)

£ 85.00

Inspection of minor alterations works undertaken by your own contractor/builder

VAT (20%)

£ 17.00

Total Fee

£ 102.00

Do you require a VAT receipt?: *

Yes No

Preferred payment method:

Application number:
Amount to pay: £ 102.00

Payments can be made directly via BACS transfer to:

Southern Water Services Ltd
Miscellaneous Income Account
HSBC Bank Plc
P O Box 125, 2nd Floor, 62-76 Park Street,
SE1 9DZ, London, England

Sort Code - 40-02-50
Account No - 81426834

(However please ensure that you confirm the application number you are making payment for in the reference line)

Please make cheques payable to Southern Water Services Ltd.
Your printed slip and cheque should then be sent to:

Miscellaneous Income
Southern Water
PO Box 4056
Worthing
BN13 3XX

Application Number:

Site Details:

Postcode:

Address:

Cheque Number: *

Please click on ‘Print Preview’ and confirm your cheque number is on the preview slip.
Please print the slip and attach the cheque after writing the application number on the back in case they are separated.

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