Foul Water & Utilities Assessment
Our drainage and infrastructure teams will help guide you through the process to secure a successful planning application in relation to foul water and utilities.
All new buildings need separate connections to foul and storm water sewers and developers have to provide evidence of the measures they will put in place to connect to or amend the existing utility infrastructure systems.
If a proposal involves connecting a development to the existing drainage system, the developer has to submit details of that system on their application drawings and show how the building will connect efficiently to it.
Typically, surface water is not permitted to be connected to the public foul sewers.
Most new developments require connection to existing utility services, including electricity and gas supplies, telecommunications and the water supply, along with connection to foul and surface water drainage and disposal.
We will bring our expertise to bear in discussions during the preparation of a foul water and utilities assessment. This will be critical in any planning application to demonstrate the availability of utility services has been examined and that the proposals would not result in undue pressure on the delivery of those services to the wider community.
Other considerations include:
- Incorporating any utility company requirements for substations, telecommunications equipment or similar structures
- Showing that service routes have been planned to avoid as far as possible the potential for damage to trees and archaeological remains
- Where the development impinges on existing infrastructure the provisions for relocating or protecting that infrastructure have been agreed with the service provider
As such details are required on all applications where the proposal involves connection to or changes to the existing utility infrastructure systems, we recommend engaging our services early in the project preparations so that all necessary checks are made in a timely fashion and a comprehensive assessment can provide a strong basis for planning approval.
Our advice will always feature recommendations for the most sustainable solution in the circumstances.
Our assessments will, among others, ensure compliance with the following policies:
- Policies D.ES5, S.MW1 and D.MW3 of the LBTH Local Plan 2031 (January 2020)
- The London Plan (2016), Policy 5.14 –5.15 Water Quality and Waste Water Infrastructure
For an initial discussion about our assessments and how they are prepared, please contact us today and hear what the experts have to say.
