Flood defence consent licence

Consenting organisation

Environment Agency.

Details

This ensures that activities proposed do not cause or make worse an existing flooding problem, interfere with Environment Agency work and do not adversely affect the local environment, fisheries, wildlife and flood defences.

When is it required?

The Water Resources Act, 1991 and associated byelaws require you to apply for formal consent for works in, over under or adjacent to main rivers.

Associated legislation

Water Resources Act, 1991 and Land Drainage Act, 1991.

Application process

• Contact the EA as soon as possible to discuss potential plans for a site.
• The applicant is required to show the EA full details of the work that is proposed at least two months before the works start.
• Once preliminary details have been agreed, the EA will then instruct the applicant to complete an application form.
• The form must be returned with the appropriate fee (details can be obtained from local EA offices).
• Consent will only be approved if it is believed the works would not cause harm to the environment or increase flood risk, even if the works appear to be sound from an engineering or structural point of view.

Appeals procedure

If consent is refused and it has been withheld unreasonably, the applicant can appeal. The appeal is heard by an agreed independent arbitrator. The EA will tell the applicant about how this works when the applicant is told if consent is going to be granted or not.

Consultation process

Contact consenting organisation for further details.

Course of action under the habitats regulations

All applications will be subject to the requirements of the habitats regulation if they have the potential to impact on the European marine site.

Timescales

Proposed works will need to be presented to the EA at least two months prior to the start of works.

Cost

Contact consenting organisation for further information.

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Contact details

Devon Sea Fisheries Committee (DSFC)

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

Duchy of Cornwall (not a relevant authority)

Lamellion House, Station Road, Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 4EE
Telephone: 01579 343149
Website: Duchy of Cornwall

Environment Agency

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

Living on the edge – a guide to the rights and responsibilities of riverside occupation can be viewed on the Environment Agency website.

Natural England

Cornwall, Devon and Isles of Scilly Team, Renslade House, Bonhay Road, Exeter EX4 3AW
Telephone: 0300 060 2424
Website: Natural England

Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum (TECF)

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

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