Please enable JavaScript in your browser to use this page.

Foul Sewage Assessment

Published: 2020-01-27 Updated: 2020-01-27 Subject: Planning, Planning checklist

Planning application - local requirement

When this requirement applies

If you are proposing developments of 100 or more new dwellings or 10,000m sq new floor space (or an equivalent combination), you will need to submit a Foul Sewage Assessment with your planning application.

What the assessment should include

A Utilities Statement should include how the new development will connect to existing utility infrastructure systems. Most new developments require connection to existing utility services:

  • electricity and gas supplies
  • telecommunications
  • water supply
  • foul and surface water drainage and disposal.

In most circumstances surface water is not permitted to be connected to the public foul sewers.

A Foul Sewage Assessment should include a full description of the site, its location and suitability for storing, transporting and treating sewage. Where connection to the mains sewer is not practical, then the assessment must demonstrate why the development cannot connect to the public mains sewer system and show satisfactory alternative means of sewage disposal. See the documents below for detailed guidance on the detail you will need to include.

The assessment must demonstrate the following: 

  • The availability of utility services has been examined, and that the proposals would not result in undue stress on the delivery of those services to the wider community
  • That proposals incorporate any utility company requirements for substations, telecommunications equipment or similar structures
  • Where the development impinges on existing infrastructure, provisions for relocating or protecting that infrastructure have been agreed with the service provider.
  • Service routes have been planned to avoid as far as possible the potential for environmental impact, such as damage to trees and archaeological remains
Warning Some file formats may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request an accessible format
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email equality@bathnes.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.