Section 50 Consents - Consent Requirements - Construction/Alteration of Watercourse Infrastructure

The design and construction of bridges and culverts should be such that flood risks up- and / or down-stream are not increased, or, where no other viable options exist, are restricted to acceptable levels, and should comply with any flood risk management objectives and plans established for the area.

By law, therefore the consent of the Commissioners is required by certain agencies proposing to carry out construction/alteration works on bridges and culverts.

These are often called Section 50, as the statutory role is set out under Section 50 of the Arterial Drainage Act 1945.

The consent of the Commissioners may also be required for the erection or alteration of a weir, as per Section 47 of the Arterial Drainage Act 1945.

To learn more about these consents, visit Consent Requirements - Construction/Alteration of Watercourse Infrastructure