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Part 13: Water and sewerage
Part 13 gives water, sewerage and drainage bodies, plus the Environment Agency, specific permitted development rights for their public functions. The right depends on who carries out the work, where it takes place and which Class applies.
Underground pipes, surveys, watercourse repairs and some equipment are covered in defined ways. A new above-ground building is not automatically permitted.
Need help with permitted development?
Permitted development can avoid a full planning application, but only if the right applies and every relevant limit and condition is met. Planning Geek can check the planning history, Article 4 directions and other restrictions, and help with a lawful development certificate or prior approval where needed.
Choose the correct Class
| Class | Who and what it covers |
|---|---|
| A: Water or hydraulic power | Statutory undertakers for water or hydraulic power: specified underground, watercourse, survey, distribution and operational-land work. |
| B: Sewerage undertakers | Specified sewer, survey, pumping-station and operational-land work by or on behalf of a sewerage undertaker. |
| C: Drainage bodies | Improvement, maintenance and repair in, on or under watercourses and land drainage works. |
| D: Environment Agency | Specified work for the Agency’s functions, including resources, drainage, surveys and operational-land work. |
Read the current Part 13 legislation and the general limits in article 3 before relying on a Class. Other consents and controls may apply. Wales has a separate GPDO.
Page updated: 24th September 2026