Design & Consultancy

We are able to advise on which consents a project might require and how long it may take to acquire them. At your request, we will liaise with all the relevant authorities and regulatory bodies required to consent your project, saving you time and effort. We have experience dealing with the following consents and permits:

Environmental Permits for Flood Risk Activities – any activity on, in or under a main river, a floodplain or a flood defence will require an Environmental Permit for Flood Risk Activities. We are able to advise whether a river is classified by the Environmental Agency as a ‘main’ river and whether the activity merits an ‘exemption’, a ‘standard rules permit’ or a ‘bespoke permit’. Environmental Permits carry a non-negotiable 8-week deliberation period, meaning our experience in expediting the application process can be invaluable for delivering a project to a deadline.

Ordinary Watercourse Consent – if the Environment Agency do not class a river, stream, ditch, drain or culvert as a ‘main’ river, it will be categorised as an ordinary watercourse. Works to an ordinary watercourse require Ordinary Watercourse Consents instead, which are usually obtained through the local authorities. Ordinary Watercourse Consents also carry 8-week deliberation period, so efficient application is a prudent resource.

Natural England Assent – works not relating to a watercourse but taking place in a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) will require Assent from Natural England. The wide variety of features that can be designated within a SSSI mean that the Assent process can become complicated and, as such, time consuming. With our resources and experience, we can liaise with Natural England and work on acquiring Assent as quickly and efficiently as possible.

We also have experience in securing Planning Permission for private riparian landowners and Marine Management Organisation (MMO) consent for works carried out below mean high water spring tide.