Check if you need permission to do work on a river, flood defence or sea defence

You may need permission to do work on or near a river, flood defence or sea defence.

These rules apply to England only. There are different rules for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

There are different ways of getting permission, depending on whether you’re working on:

You can be prosecuted and may be fined or go to prison if you do not get permission when you need it.

Main rivers and sea defences

Check if you need a permit - you might just need to tell the Environment Agency about your work.

If you already have a flood defence consent you do not need to apply for a new permit.

Other watercourses

For work on or near all other watercourses you must apply for Ordinary Watercourse Consent.

Apply by contacting either:

Environment Agency
enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
Telephone: 03708 506 506
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
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