Impact of new sewers legislation on Building Developments

In the years following the privatisation of the water companies, design and construction of drainage networks for private developments has become less rigorous. These “private” networks were built to less exacting standards and their long term maintenance remained the responsibility of the individual properties on the development. Legislation developed following the floods in 2007 has dramatically reversed this trend.

The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 requires that all new sewers/lateral drains are adopted by the Water Companies. Existing private drains and sewers were adopted from 1 Oct 2011. Developments with new sewers are now required to enter into an adoption agreement under the Water Industry Act 1991.

Developers are expected to produce detailed drawings, manhole schedules and sections together with drainage calculations to the Unified Build Standard issued by DEFRA. This standard is expected to be incorporated into the forthcoming Sewers for Adoption 7th Edition which will also cover pumping stations.

The Water Company will have the right to inspect the construction, and are likely to require CCTV surveys and detailed as-built drawings compatible with their existing computer-based records.

Sewers should include adequate clearance from adjacent buildings to allow for future access for maintenance and structural integrity of the sewer. Careful routing of the drainage network would minimise the requirements for Easements and Building-Over agreements.

Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) are expected to be covered by a new standard currently being produced for DEFRA. Approval of these SUDS will fall under the Local Flood Authority

Avoid time consuming negotiations with the authorities, The Stilwell Partnership drainage engineers have extensive experience in working to these adoption standards.

We will also be able to advise you how to cost effectively deal with this transitional period

“Signing the Way” – getting to grips with traffic sign design, implementation and use

Government recognises the amount of money poor signage costs Local Authorities and the inconvenience and frustration it causes road users. "Signing the Way" is the Governments latest policy review paper on the design and implementation of traffic signs.

It allows Local Authorities more freedom to adapt to local circumstances and issues, encourages a common sense approach to the design and implementation of signage. Six overall recommendations have been set out:

• Provide more flexibility for local traffic authorities – The Government intends to produce a less prescriptive Traffic Sign Regulations and General Directions, where signage can be designed depending on local circumstances.
• Reduce traffic signing on the road network – too much signing can be a hindrance. The Government intends to regulate against or discourage the use of unnecessary signage.
• Deliver effective enforcement – The Government intends to streamline lengthy procedures for implementing Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO’s) and make it more understandable to the public.
• Traffic signs for all road users – the Government intends to increase the use of signage which supports sustainable modes, such as electric cars, cyclists and pedestrians.
• Provide road users with better information – The Government intends to make further use of Active Traffic Management (ASM), Variable Message Signs (VSM) and Variable Speed Limit (VSL)
• Develop local solutions built on local knowledge – local politics is often a major issue in the design and implementation of traffic signs and the public often feel that they are not properly involved in the decision making process. The Government intends to provide guidance on making the consultation process clearer, relevant and more targeted.

The Stilwell Partnership has undertaken many projects to rationalise and consolidate traffic orders and signing, resolving confusing and ambiguous situations for the road user.

Contact us for details of how these services can save your authority time and money.