Telford & Wrekin Council, as the Local Lead Flood Authority (LLFA), are now responsible for the consenting of any works to ordinary watercourses within the borough in areas not covered by:

This responsibility follows commencement of paragraphs 32 - 34 of Schedule 2 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, which makes amendments. Download the Section 23 of the Land Drainage Act 1991 to view amendments (.pdf Size: 61Kb) .

The responsibility for consenting works to main rivers remains with the Environment Agency.

Definitions

An ordinary watercourse is any river, stream, ditch, drain, cut, dyke, sluice, sewer (other than a public sewer) and passage through which water flows and which does not form part of a main river network. Any alteration or connection to an ordinary watercourse will require consent from Telford & Wrekin Council.

Main rivers are usually larger streams and rivers. However, they do include smaller watercourses of local significance. Main rivers are watercourses designated as such. 

Visit the Environment Agency website to view the main river maps that are generally the larger arterial watercourses. Any alteration or connection to a main river will require consent from the Environment Agency.

Last updated : 23 July 2024

The purpose of ordinary watercourse regulation is to control certain activities that may increase flood risk. Consent is required for any works that alter, or affect the ability of a watercourse to pass flow during flood events. Any works that create an obstruction within the channel will potentially require consent (this will include temporary works to structures such as bridges).

The images below provide examples of alterations or activities that will/will not require consent under the Land Drainage Act 1991.

This guidance is based upon Telford and Wrekin interpretation of legislation and "flow" should be determined as bank full flow.   

Please note: should you be unsure if proposed works will require consent, or if you have any questions relating to the consenting process, please feel free to contact the Consenting team at flood@telford.gov.uk, and we will be happy to discuss the proposals.

Work that will require consent

This table displays information about types of work that requires ordinary watercourse consent.
ILLUSTRATION OF WORK DESCRIPTION
realignment of the channel illustration icon Realignment of the channel - realignment or alteration to the existing line of the watercourse could potentially reduce capacity or obstruct flows.
pipe culvert illustration icon Pipe culvert (including the extension and removal of).
oversized box culvert illustration icon Oversized box culvert (including the extension and removal of).
trash screens illustration icon Trash screens - alteration to a culvert and has the potential to obstruct flow.
Weir/Dam or impoundment illustration icon Weir/dam or impoundment or temporary works that obstruct flow.
Pipe Crossing (in channel) illustration icon Pipe crossing (in channel) - consent required as could potentially obstruct flow.
Channel Width Alterations illustration icon Channel width alterations - any works that reduce the capacity of the channel.
birdge illustration icon Bridge - where soffit level is below bank top level.
Bridge - abutments restricting flow illustration icon Bridge - abutments restricting flow.
Bridge with support in channel illustration icon Bridge with support in channel - consent required as support could potentially obstruct flow.

Work that will not require consent

This table displays information about types of work that does not require ordinary watercourse consent.
ILLUSTRATION OF WORK DESCRIPTION
Bank Protection Works illustration icon Bank protection works - temporary works that reduce channel width may require consent.
Outfall within bank profile illustration icon Outfall within bank profile - structure should not act as dam or weir.
Protruding Pipe Outfall illustration icon Protruding pipe outfall - structure should not act as dam or weir.
Pipe Crossing (above bank) illustration icon Pipe crossing (above bank).
Pipe Crossing (below bed) illustration icon Pipe crossing (below bed) - temporary works may require consent.
Clear span bridge illustration icon Clear span bridge - (where soffit level is above bank top level).
Bridge - Abutments not reducing flow area-width illustration icon Bridge - abutments not reducing flow area/width.

Last updated : 3 January 2025

To apply for consent for works affecting watercourses and flood defences a consenting application form must be completed. This document should be filled in and submitted along with the relevant supporting information outlined in the guidance notes and the appropriate fee, the application fee is £50 per consentable activity. If you are unsure as to what fee should be paid please get in touch with us via email so we can confirm the correct fee.

Complete our online form to apply for ordinary water course consent

Your application will be determined within two months of receiving a valid application. A valid application includes a completed application form, appropriate details of your proposals and the application fee.

Successful applications will be valid for a period of three years. This is because the resultant effects of the scheme may change due to other factors that have developed since the application was first made.

Download the application form guidance notes to help you fill in the application for ordinary watercourse land drainage consent (.pdf Size: 159Kb)

Last updated : 9 December 2024