A Thames Water Build Over Agreement is a contract between a property owner or developer and Thames Water. It allows construction near their infrastructure and specifies construction terms and duties.
A build over agreement with Thames Water is required when you plan to build or extend a structure over or within 3 meters of a public sewer or lateral drain. These public sewers and drains are typically located underground and may not always be visible. Here’s when you would need such an agreement:
Building over a Public Sewer: If your construction project involves building directly over a public sewer. Public sewers are pipes that carry wastewater from more than one property.
Building near a Public Sewer: If your construction is within 3 meters of a public sewer, even if not directly over it, Thames Water may require an agreement to ensure that the sewer remains accessible for maintenance and repairs.
Building over a Lateral Drain: If the drain you’re building over serves more than one property but isn’t officially classified as a public sewer, you may still need an agreement.
Basement Construction: If you’re constructing a basement or extending an existing one close to a sewer, an agreement is typically needed.
Extension or Structural Alteration: Any significant alteration to your property that may affect the sewer or drain, such as adding an extension or conservatory, might require a build-over agreement.
This agreement ensures that the construction work does not damage the sewer or restrict Thames Water’s access for future maintenance or emergency repairs. Failure to obtain a build-over agreement when required can result in legal and practical issues, such as difficulties in selling the property later.
Getting a Build Over Agreement is crucial. If you do not have permission to build near Thames Water pipes, your construction might be delayed or demolition of the project may be ordered if it is not authorised.
Asset Protection: Thames Water’s underground assets are crucial for water and wastewater management. Build Over Agreements shield them from construction harm.
Safety: By regulating construction near water mains and sewers, these agreements help prevent accidents, such as ruptures or leaks, which can endanger public safety and disrupt services.
Compliance: Following Build Over Agreements ensures you obey the law, follow the rules, and meet industry standards. This reduces the chance of legal problems or delays in your construction work.
Accountability: These agreements define responsibilities for both Thames Water and the property owner, promoting transparency and accountability during construction.
The property owner is responsible for securing a Thames Water Build Over Agreement. They can hire a professional for help. To find assistance, check our water board section in the top menu.
Property Owners: If you own a property and plan to carry out construction, extension, or any work that involves building over or near Thames Water’s assets, you will likely need a Build Over Agreement.
Developers: Large-scale construction projects, including residential or commercial developments, often require Build Over Agreements due to their potential impact on Thames Water’s infrastructure.
Contractors: Contractors hired by property owners or developers must make sure they have the right Build Over Agreements to follow the law and protect everyone’s interests.
We’ll outline the process for applying for a Thames Water Build Over Agreement, which is straightforward but time-consuming.
Follow the steps carefully or seek help from our preferred partners in the water boards section of our top menu.
Pre-application Stage: Consider a feasibility study before seeking a Build Over Agreement. Engage with Thames Water’s Build Over Team and other stakeholders to assess how your project might affect the water utility’s assets.
Application Submission: Property owners or developers must send a comprehensive application to Thames Water’s Build Over Team, including detailed plans, specs, and supporting documents, all showing they follow the rules.
Review and Assessment: Thames Water’s Build Over Team will assess the application, ensuring it meets the required standards and conditions. They may request additional information or modifications if necessary.
Agreement and Conditions: Thames Water gives you a Build Over Agreement when they approve your application. This document tells you the rules, what to do, and when to finish the construction. Before you start, you need to look at it and agree to it.
Construction Phase: During construction, the property owner or developer must comply with the agreed-upon conditions, conduct inspections, and notify Thames Water of any planned or unplanned deviations.
Completion and Post-construction: Once the construction is finished, Thames Water will check to make sure you followed the Build Over Agreement. If there are any things you need to fix, do them quickly to meet the requirements.
A Thames Water Build Over Agreement can cost between £400 – £500 .
You follow a process to get a retrospective build over agreement with Thames Water. This agreement is required when you build near Thames Water Infrastructure without permission. Here are the steps:
Remember that the process can vary depending on your situation and Thames Water’s needs. It’s crucial to stay in open communication with Thames Water for a successful result with your retrospective build over agreement.
Thames Water covers several counties in the southeast of England for build over agreements, as they are responsible for water supply and wastewater services in these areas. The main counties they cover include:
These counties include various cities, towns, and rural areas where Thames Water operates, so if you are planning any construction work near or over a public sewer or water main, you would need to seek a build-over agreement from Thames Water.
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