Climate change is something which is affecting all of us whether we like it or not – some more than others. From extreme droughts to extreme flooding, farmers and landowners alike are faced with increasing challenges when it comes to protecting their land. With such long-term and financial implications, flood prevention is certainly better than cure.
Our Water and Flood Management team of experienced lawyers deal with complex flooding matters from all over the country. They regularly deal with large-scale projects such as accretion and flood defence work, as well as advise farmers and landowners on abstraction licences, water conservation projects and pollution incidents.
Our clients are nationwide and come to us because of our experience and knowledge of this complex and developing area of law, knowing they will be dealing with specialists providing practical and proactive advice.
How we can help you
- the establishment and registration at H M Land Registry of legal boundaries affected by the processes of accretion and diluvion and also the implications of managed coastal retreat for landowners and tenants
- agreements between landowners, drainage boards and the Environment Agency for partnerships to maintain and improve sea defences using Grant In Aid funding and in-kind contributions
- working with insurance companies and underwriters on flood-related insurance claims
- the delivery and implications of new tidal barriers as part of a flood defence project to maintain the availability of land for use and development
- the effective assessment of flood risk within the National Planning Policy Framework, particularly working with the requirements for Environment Impact Assessments and Environment Statements to support planning applications and the drafting of supporting Section 106 agreements
- suggestions by the Environment Agency that unused water abstraction licences should be revoked
- the transfer of water abstraction licences, remedying defective licences, the surrender variation and issue of new licences
- orders to clean ditches under the Land Drainage Act 1991
- requirements of the Reservoirs Act 1975
- the trading of licences and the impact of the Water Act 2003 on land sales
- liability and prosecutions for the pollution of water and contamination of drinking water
- the installation and adoption of water drains and sewers and responsibility for ownership of rivers and drains including duties arising from riparian ownership
- the powers, duties and liabilities of Government agencies for the maintenance of sea defences and the use of inland flood management techniques
- nuisance/negligence claims against neighbouring landowners resulting from the passage of flood water, works of improvement to drainage systems and works affecting existing neighbours' drainage systems
- the development of sole use and joint venture private irrigation systems including reservoirs and the negotiation of easements for the supply of water across neighbouring land
- Internal Drainage Boards and landowners on their powers under byelaws issued by authority of the Land Drainage Act 1976 including derogations granted from them
Get in touch with our agriculture solicitors
For further information about our agriculture services, get in touch with our team in Alconbury, Birmingham, Nottingham, Peterborough or Spalding.
