Under no circumstances will we permit building over a sewer or lateral drain where:
- The sewer is pressurised, i.e. a pumping/rising main
- A manhole/chamber will be inside a building
- An entirely new dwelling/building is proposed
Anglian Water promotes development in in our region and will always work with you to make your proposals become a reality. If it is not possible to build over the sewer, you can submit an application to divert it away from the building works, if feasible to do so. This application can be made using our online portal InFlow. Please feel free to give us a call on 03456 066 087 to discuss this with you further.
If the existing pipe is discovered to be in a poor state or the material is pitch fibre, then in order for a build over to be considered, you will be required to re-lay the length of pipe underneath the structure at your own cost. This will minimise the risk of the pipe failing structurally after construction, and the potential for inconvenience and loss of service to you in the future.
Your building work may need planning permission or building regulations approval from the local authority. Some work falls under homeowners’ permitted development rights or may not require Building Regulations approval. Car ports and small conservatories often fall into this category, but it is always best to check if permission is required with the local authority. Please be aware that none of these permissions give you automatic consent to build over, or close to, a public sewer. The above process is designed to ensure your development can proceed whilst ensuring that both your property and our sewers are protected.
If an agreement is entered into and an inspection is required, we now have the ability to carry out some of your appointments virtually.
