The Thames Water Build Over Agreement Self Certification Process: A Guide for Homeowners
If you’re a homeowner planning to build an extension or make any other alterations to your property that may affect public sewers, you’ll need to get a Build Over Agreement from Thames Water. This is a legal document that allows you to build over or close to public sewers, on the understanding that you’ll take responsibility for any damage that may occur.
However, a recent development means that homeowners can now self-certify their Build Over Agreements, making the process quicker and easier than ever before. In this article, we’ll explain what the Build Over Agreement Self Certification process entails, and how you can ensure you comply with the relevant regulations.
What is a Build Over Agreement?
A Build Over Agreement is a legal document that allows a homeowner to build over or close to a public sewer, provided certain conditions are met. It’s important to get a Build Over Agreement before you start any work to your property that may affect public sewers, as failure to do so could result in legal action being taken against you.
The Build Over Agreement sets out the conditions for the work you are planning to undertake, including the materials you’ll use, the size of any excavation, the distance between the proposed new structure and the public sewer, and the measures you’ll take to protect the sewer from damage.
Why has self-certification been introduced?
Thames Water has recently introduced a self-certification process for Build Over Agreements, in response to customer feedback. The new process is designed to make it quicker and easier for homeowners to get the necessary permission, without having to go through a lengthy application process.
Under the self-certification process, homeowners who meet certain criteria can sign a declaration stating that they will comply with the conditions set out in the Build Over Agreement. This means that they can start work on their property more quickly, without having to wait for approval from Thames Water.
Who can self-certify?
Not all homeowners will be eligible to self-certify their Build Over Agreement. To do so, you must meet the following criteria:
– The work you are carrying out must be within a certain distance of the public sewer. This distance varies depending on the size of the sewer, and can be found on the Thames Water website.
– The public sewer must be in good condition, with no defects or damage that would be exacerbated by the work you are undertaking. Thames Water will carry out an inspection to check the condition of the sewer before allowing you to self-certify.
– You must be using materials that are approved by Thames Water, and must comply with all other conditions set out in the Build Over Agreement.
How do I self-certify?
If you meet the above criteria and wish to self-certify your Build Over Agreement, the process is relatively straightforward. You will need to complete a form, which can be found on the Thames Water website, and pay a fee of £150. Thames Water will then carry out an inspection to check the condition of the public sewer, and if it is deemed to be in good condition, you will be sent a self-certification pack.
The pack will include the declaration form, which you will need to sign and return to Thames Water. You will also need to provide evidence that you have obtained any necessary planning permission or building regulation approvals for the work you are undertaking.
Once Thames Water has received your completed form and evidence, they will issue you with a Build Over Agreement confirming that you are permitted to carry out the work.
In conclusion
The Thames Water Build Over Agreement Self Certification process is a welcome development for homeowners, making it quicker and easier to obtain the necessary permission to carry out work on their properties. If you meet the criteria for self-certification, the process is straightforward and can save you time and money. However, it’s important to ensure that you comply with all the conditions set out in the agreement, to avoid any legal action being taken against you in the future.