The Environment Agency: application made to abstract water
Published 13 May 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
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Details of the application
The Environment Agency has applied to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for a licence.
The Environment Agency is giving notice of this application in accordance with Section 37 of the Water Resources Act 1991 and Paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 of the Water Resources (Abstraction and Impounding) Regulations 2006.
The application is for a new transfer licence for the purpose of filling a dry dock at Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex, to allow boats to enter for maintenance and subsequently exit again. Water is abstracted from the River Thames at National Grid Reference (NGR) TQ 10343 67851 and returned at NGR TQ 10269 67871.
Abstraction can take place all year and occurs by the opening of a sluice gate, which allows the dry dock to fill in approximately 2 hours at a rate of 1,100 cubic metres per hour. The maximum volume of water to be abstracted is 55,000 cubic metres per year and 1,210 cubic metres per day.
How to view the application
Please contact us via e-mail or use the number below to arrange to see the application documents.
How to comment on the application
Send any representation about this application in writing, quoting the name of the applicant and reference number NPS/WR/046495 to the Environment Agency at the Permitting and Support Centre, Water Resources Team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield S9 4WF or by email to: PSC-WaterResources@environment-agency.gov.uk
By 10 June 2026.
After the 10 June 2026, the Environment Agency will be able to grant a licence authorising the proposal. The licence shall be viewed as granted, unless the Secretary of State, either as a result of any representations made about the proposal or otherwise, instructs or asks for an application to be made to them.
For advice about how to make a representation call 03708 506 506.