Overview
An ordinary watercourse is a passage for water to flow through (such as a river, stream, ditch or culvert) that does not form part of a main river.
If you’re planning works that may affect the flow of an ordinary watercourse, you must apply for consent.
The type of works that may require consent include constructing or modifying a:
- watercourse
- dam
- weir
- headwall
- bridge
- culvert
We can give consent when we've confirmed that your proposed scheme does not:
- increase the risk of flooding
- negatively impact the environment
- affect a main river
If the works may affect a main river
If the watercourse is classed as a main river, you’ll need consent from the Environment Agency.
Visit the Environment Agency website to find out if the watercourse is a main river.
If it is a main river, then you must contact the Environment Agency for advice.