For public sewers specific protection is provided under statute and consequently there is no right to build over or in close proximity to public a public sewer. A minimum distance of 3m (for apparatus up to 3m deep) must be maintained between any building and the public apparatus. This distance may need to be extended for deep or large diameter pipework.

Notwithstanding the above, Southern Water recognizes the desire of home owners to extend there properties and will in some instances, depending on the status of the sewer, allow buildings to encroach upon the public system. Please note however, that building over or in close proximity to water mains will never be permitted; neither will building over or in close proximity to proposed or existing sewers on new developments or redevelopment’s.

To build over a public sewer it is necessary to complete a Build Over Application form. We would recommend that reference to the Build Over Guidance Notes to assist in completing the application