To carry out work affecting a river, stream, drain, culvert or structure which water may flow through, you need to apply for an Ordinary Watercourse Land Drainage Consent. Local authorities across the UK are taking a variety of approaches to how Ordinary Watercourse Land Drainage Consents (OWCs) are administered and granted for measures being delivered under Natural Flood Management, where water courses are not the main river.
We want to develop a more consistent approach to support local authorities so that they can administer consents in a way that is clear and fair for projects across the region, in particular for larger landscape projects across administrative boundaries.
In January 2024, we hosted a workshop with local authority flood teams, facilitated by the Environment Agency, to consider different perspectives from colleagues around the country on how approaches to OWCs for NFM could be made more consistent, proportionate and streamlined.
Calder and Colne Rivers Trust, Calderdale Council, Environment Agency and Mott MacDonald presented at the workshop.
A panel, including Stroud District Council, hosted a Q&A session. Local authorities representatives discussed:
- A risk based approach
- Charging for consents
- Types of NFM measures requiring consent and exemptions
- Information and guidance for delivery partners
- What measures need planning permission
Workshop Presentations (5 minutes each)
Emma Wren, Nature-Based Solutions Technical lead at Mott MacDonald, talks about taking a proportionate, partnership and strategic approach to NFM consenting.
Mohammed Amjid, Flood Risk Manager, Calderdale Council talking about their approach and learning on OWC for NFM.
Becky McAllister, Environment Agency – Natural Environment and Rural Resilience Team talking about ELMs and feedback on OWC consenting for NBS from around the country.
Andy Bray, Calder Rivers Trust – General Manager, talking about third sector project experience of consenting for NFM measures.
Jonathan Kenyon, Environment Agency – Flood Risk Advisor for the Yorkshire Strategy and Planning Team talking where consenting NFM on ordinary watercourses may impact on main rivers.