NYBCP

On 1 October 2011 the ownership and maintenance of many private sewers and lateral drains, which were connected to the public sewerage system before 1 July, will transfer to water and sewerage companies (WaSCs).

North Yorkshire Building Control Partnership are working closely with both Yorkshire Water Authority (YWA) and Northumbrian Water (NW) as this has a major affect on developments which will now be built over or within close proximity of a public sewer where it was not before. As a result we now have to consult with YWA and NW on all relevant applications whether they are building notices, full plans, regularisations or Initial notices upon deposit of the application. In order for us to provide them with sufficient information we are required to state on the description of work which elevation an extension will be built on, such as Front, Rear, Side, North, East, South, or West, and in some cases if this is not clear the water companies will contact agents/applicants directly to request such detail.

It is our understanding that both water authorities will endeavour to visit the site of the development to establish, as early as possible, if a sewer is going to be affected and at which time they will contact applicants/agents to discuss this further.

We will of course check the public sewer record when a building notice, full plans and regularisation applications are deposited and will make applicants/agents aware if their development is to be built over or within 3m of a sewer which is shown on the record. The problem at present is that sewers created by the transfer are not yet shown on the public sewer record, and will not be for some time, which is why a consultation has to be sent to the relevant water authority.

It could also be the case that sewers are found when work starts on site and in which case we will ask the developer to contact the relevant water authority to gain advice on how this is to be dealt with as the responsibility remains with either YWA or NW. It may be that work needs to stop while the water authority investigates the matter and that a consent is required from the water authority to continue to build over the sewer or connect to it. The water authorities have indicated that they will class these issues as a priority and aim to visit the site by the end of the next working day.

Should you have any queries please contact the relevant water authority:-

Yorkshire Water Services, Development Services, Sewerage Technical Team, PO Box 52, Bradford, BD3 7AY - 08451208482

Northumbrian Water, Abbey Road, Pity Me, Durham, DH1 5FJ - 08457171100.