Abstraction Licence

Consenting organisation

Environment Agency.

Details

The purpose of this act is to control the level of abstraction to protect both water supplies and the environment.

When is it required

A licence is required to impound water or take more than 20m³ (4,400 gallons) of water per day from a:

• river or stream
• reservoir, lake or pond
• canal
• spring
• an underground source

Associated legislation

Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994, Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000 and Water Act 2003.

Application process

• Initial discussion with appropriate officers at Environment Agency is encouraged to discuss proposal.
• Check with officers to see what level of assessment your proposal requires.
• Submitting of formal application, with supporting information and fee.
• Formal acknowledgment of application and advertisement if required.
• Technically assess application and inform other interested parties in writing of the decision on whether the application has been successful or not.

Appeals procedure

If application is refused, there is a 28 day window to make an appeal, where it will be called in by Secretary of State. A hearing will follow and a decision will be made. The direction will then be sent to Environment Agency to issue/amend the licence, and entered into the public register.

Consultation process

The Environment Agency will consult with the necessary interested parties.

Course of action under the habitats regulations

All applications of any description will be subject to the requirements of the Habitats Regulation if they have the potential to impact on the European marine site.

Timescales

Providing all required information is supplied, the targeted timescale to make a decision is within three months of accepting the application, or four months if the application needs to be advertised. Temporary licences aim to be decided within 28 days of receiving an application.

Cost

Contact consenting organisation for further information.

Contact details

Environment Agency

Cornwall Area: Sir John Moore House, Victoria Square, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL31 1EB
Telephone: 08708 506506

Abstracting water – a guide to getting your licence, please visit the Environment Agency website.

Devon Sea Fisheries Committee (DSFC)

Old Foundry Court, 60a Fore Street, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8DZ
Telephone: 01803 854648
Website: Devon Sea Fisheries Committee

Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum (TECF)

C/o Development Planning, Plymouth City Council, Civic Centre, Plymouth, PL1 2EW
Telephone: 01752 304339
Website: Tamar Estuaries

Remember! You may require further consents. Visit the Development page to find out.