Section 185 Agreement: A Comprehensive Overview for Welsh Water Customers
When it comes to property development, Section 185 Agreements are an essential aspect that Welsh Water customers need to know. These agreements play a vital role in ensuring that water and wastewater infrastructure is in place to cater to new developments. In this article, we will discuss what Section 185 Agreements are, how they work, and their benefits.
What are Section 185 Agreements?
Section 185 Agreements are legal contracts between Welsh Water and developers or landowners. The agreements outline the responsibilities of both parties concerning the provision of water and wastewater infrastructure to support new developments. The agreements ensure that new developments do not pose any significant risks to the public health, the environment, or the existing water supply and wastewater infrastructure.
How do Section 185 Agreements work?
Section 185 Agreements work in two stages. The first stage involves the developer or landowner submitting a planning application to the local council. Part of the application process is to assess whether the development requires any new water and wastewater infrastructure or whether existing infrastructure requires upgrading.
Once approved, the developer or landowner must enter into a Section 185 Agreement with Welsh Water. The agreement outlines the scope of the works required, the estimated costs, and the timeframe for completion. The agreement will also include provisions for payment of costs, and a schedule of payment over time will be established.
What are the benefits of Section 185 Agreements?
Section 185 Agreements offer many benefits for Welsh Water customers. Firstly, they ensure that new developments are appropriately served with adequate water and wastewater infrastructure, avoiding the risk of damage to existing infrastructure. Secondly, they provide transparency about the costs to the developer or landowner, allowing them to plan and budget accordingly.
Section 185 Agreements are also beneficial for Welsh Water customers as they enable the water company to recover the costs of the water and wastewater infrastructure from the developer or landowner. This means that existing customers do not have to bear the costs of expanding the infrastructure required to cater for new developments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Section 185 Agreements are an essential aspect of property development in Wales. The agreements help ensure that new developments are served with adequate water and wastewater infrastructure, while existing customers, including homeowners and businesses, are unaffected by the costs of expanding the infrastructure. It is important for developers and landowners to understand their responsibilities when entering into a Section 185 Agreement with Welsh Water to ensure a smooth and cost-effective development process.