When a developer works with building control, the inspector checks where a buildover may be needed. If they are satisfied with the proposals and this meets our criteria, they will approve it on our behalf and the developer will not have to contact us for further permissions. During the construction of any construction, you must ensure that there are no public sewers in the area of the planned work. If you sell your property, we will know that the sewers/drain have been built and that the work corresponds to our agreement. On request, we will confirm this information to individuals or mortgage lenders acting on behalf of a potential buyer. If the proposed construction requires not to fit into our criteria or if the inspector has doubts about the proposals, they will cause us to degenerate so that we can speak directly to the developer to give advice and agree on the next steps. In accordance with Part H4 of Schedule 1 of the 2010 Construction Code, SI 2010/2214, the agreement of the wastewater distributor is required for construction by public sewers. These are both dirt and surface water sewers. If a public sewer works underground, the homeowner cannot build on or within three metres of the sewer line without the consent of the wastewater collector. This consent is the Build Over Agreement. Consent is required before work begins and may be refused. Sometimes problems arise when owners try to sell their property, which is built in part or entirely through a public channel.

Conservatories and extensions are the usual criminals. If a Build Over Agreement was not obtained when the work was done, then the water company has the legal right to enter the land to reach the canal, even if that means demolishing the building above the canal. However, if possible, the water company will avoid the damage and look for other ways to enter the sewers, but the risk remains. If a construction agreement has been reached, the water company has no right to remove or demolish the structure above the sewers. We have an agreement or “protocol” with a number of LABCs and certified inspectors, which gives them the power to authorize potential build overs on our behalf, provided they meet certain criteria. If the existing tube is discovered in a bad condition or the material is the fiber of bad luck, then you must reposition the length of the tube under the structure at your own expense for a construction to be considered. This minimizes the risk of structural plumbing failure after construction and the potential for inconvenience and service losses for you in the future.