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Build Over a Sewer Formal Approval Application

If your application doesn't meet the criteria for a Build Over Self-Declaration, we'll automatically move it over to a Build Over Formal Approval Application. We'll guide you through the process below.

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When will I need to complete a Build Over Formal Approval Application?

If you apply for a Build Over Application online but don't meet the Build Over Self-Declaration criteria, it will automatically progress to a Build Over Formal Approval Application.

We’ll assess your proposal to determine that it protects the public sewer and our future access to maintain it. We’ll suggest any changes or conditions, including to your build over sewer application routes, that you'll need to make to assist you in progressing your application to the approval stage (if required).

It's possible that you have already applied for a Build Over Self-Declaration. However, we've found that it does not meet the Self-Declaration criteria. In this case, we'll switch your application to the Build Over Agreement application. You won’t need to reapply, but you'll need to cover the additional fee for the application and CCTV survey (if applicable).

For some sites, we may also ask you to complete a Sewer Protection Agreement (SPA) with us. This ensures the protection of access for any future maintenance and repairs of the stretch of sewer being built over. We'll outline this and our reasoning in our conditional approval letter.

Here's a step-by-step guide to the application process. We'll be in touch along the way to make sure everything goes smoothly.

The Build Over Formal Approval Application process

Before you begin your application, make sure you have the following:

  • An existing and proposed site plan (.pdf) (1:100 or larger clearly showing the location of sewers and manholes).
  • A site location plan (.pdf) (1:1250 or larger).
  • A cross-section foundation design (.pdf) (1:100 or larger).
  • Copies of all drawings submitted for building regulations approval.
  • CCTV plan (if available, which includes sonde tracing, dated within the last 6 months).

The step-by-step process

1

Apply online

Fill in the online application using our GetConnected portal and pay the application fee. We’ll review your application within five days and let you know if we have everything we need to progress.
2

CCTV survey

We'll carry out a CCTV survey within 20 days to determine the condition and exact location of the affected sewer. Once the survey is complete, we'll provide you with the CCTV plan.

Or, you can carry out your own CCTV survey. You can submit this with your application, and we'll refund that part of the fee if it meets our requirements. Your CCTV survey must be:

  • Dated within six months
  • Include a detailed (.pdf) report and site photos
  • Include a supporting plan showing dimension, layout of manholes and position of sewers.
3

We'll send you a conditional approval

Within eight working days of receiving the CCTV survey, we will send our conditional approval letter. This will set out any conditions that you will need to follow for your proposals.

For some sites, we may also ask you to complete a Sewer Protection Agreement (SPA) with us. This ensures the protection and future maintenance and access of the sewer. We will advise if you need the SPA in our response letter.

4

Book an inspection (if required)

If you are relocating a manhole chamber or undertaking minor pipe repairs, you will need to book an inspection. Your conditional approval letter will state whether you need an inspection and how to arrange one.
5

We'll send you the Build Over Agreement

Within seven days, we'll send you a Build Over Agreement letter. This gives you the permission to proceed with your building works.

Request a callback

We understand that every project is different and we're here to help. If you have any further queries, please use this form to request a callback from our team. 

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