Build Over Agreements
Protecting your build
What is a build over agreement?
Water authorities have a statutory right to access public sewers and drainage points. If your proposed development intends to build over an access point, you need permission from the relevant company. This permission comes in the form of a build over agreement and is required from anyone building within 3 metres of public sewer access.
If no agreement is in place, the water authority has the power to remove any structure blocking access without attracting liability for any damage caused. If a build over agreement is in place, the water authority cannot remove the structure.
So, if you're planning an extension or conversion that bring you into proximity of a sewer, it's advised to acquire a build over agreement.
Managing build over agreements
At MB Design Services, we have experience in dealing with local water authorities. As part of our comprehensive surveying and planning, we will identify potential risks to the build and take steps to mitigate them. When we encounter a sewer, we will manage the build over agreement on your behalf to ensure that your development goes smoothly and you're not caught unawares in the future.
One of the key considerations when building near sewers is the risk of damage. The extra weight of an extension can cause sewer pipes to crack or collapse altogether.
Our drainage report will highlight such risks and we can incorporate a solution into the design. If any part of the building appears to be within 3 metres of a sewer or drain then we will need to investigate further and ensure that agreement was provided by the sewerage provider.