Ordinary watercourse consenting

As Lead Local Flood Authority, we are responsible for consenting and enforcing ordinary watercourses.

A watercourse is defined in the Land Drainage Act 1991 as ‘all rivers and streams, all ditches, drains, cuts, culverts, dikes, sluices, sewers (other than public sewers within the meaning of the Water Industry Act 1991) and passages, through which water flows’.

An ordinary watercourse is one that has not been designated as a main river on the Environment Agency's flood risk map.

If you are undertaking work that will affect the flow of water through an ordinary watercourse or culvert, you need consent from Southwark Council before work can begin.

If you do not get consent from us and your work affects an ordinary watercourse we have the power to take remedial action. This includes the power to complete the works and reclaim the associated costs from you (see section 23 of the Land Drainage Act 1991).

Page last updated: 14 June 2023