Do I require planning permission for a new septic tank or repairing an existing one?

Yes. Our advice is check with your local planning department but usually a new septic tank will require planning permission. Under normal circumstances, completely new septic tanks for new properties or developments will be included within the main planning approval for the new build project. The new septic tank will need to be installed in accordance with Building Regulations. If the new septic tank is replacing an existing system then Full Planning Permission may not be required, instead the work can be carried out under a Building Notice only, meeting the requirements of Building Regulations. It does not matter when your original tank was installed!

What is the difference between Planning Permission and Building Regulations?

It is generally realised that a form of permission is required for building work or alterations of properties.  However, it may not always be clear how the Planning and Building Regulations approval regimes differ.

Building Regulations set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the safety and health for people in or about those buildings.

Planning Permission seeks to guide the way our towns, cities and countryside develop. This includes the use of land & buildings and the impact that the development will have on the general environment.

In the instance of Septic Tanks, in most circumstances Buildings Regulations approval will be needed, but Planning Permission may not be.  If you are in any doubt you should contact your Local Planning Authority, Building Control Body or you can contact us for more advice.

Septic Tanks & Building Regulations

Meeting the requirements of the Building Regulations is the responsibility of the person carrying out the building work and, if they are not the same person, the owner of the building. The building regulations apply to most building work, therefore it is important to know when approval is needed. Building Regulations relating to Cess Pits, Septic Tanks, Sewage Treatment Plants and Drainage Fields are covered in Approved Document H (Drainage and waste disposal).

What is the cost of Planning Permission and Building Regulation approval?

This will vary upon the type of project you have. Full Planning Application fees, plans, design and submissions will cost approximately £1500 including architect fees. Building Notice fees, including application and liaison will cost approximately £500. DJ Wilkinson can offer a very competitive rate for design and applications so contact us for a comparative quotation.

What happens if I fail to comply with Planning Permission or Building Regulations?

Failure to obtain Planning Permission or comply with the details of a permission is commonly known as a ‘planning breach’. A planning breach can result in the council issuing an enforcement notice requiring you to put things back as they were. It is also an offence to contravene the requirements of the Building Regulations and the local authority can take enforcement action with penalties of up to £5,000 with additional penalties per day if the offence continues.

How can DJ Wilkinson Help?

We can provide a range of services tailored to individuals needs from consultation to design to the applications and finally carrying out the installation. All in accordance with the related Regulations.

• FREE advice
• Consultation
• Design
• Local Authority Approval
• Liaison
• Installation and Repairs

Get in touch with us today and see how we can help.