Adoption of drainage infrastructure
Page updated on: 11/12/2025
The SAB will have a duty to adopt any system that services more than 1 property providing it is compliant system, so long as it is built and functions in accordance with the approved proposals, including any SAB conditions of approval.
- If you have a system that could trigger the adoption requirements, we strongly advise you to take up our pre-application guidance which will help you
achieve the best outcome for your application. - To provide you with information about considerations, risks and issues around your proposal and how you may overcome them
- To provide you with information on how Sustainable drainage will affect the development layouts.
- To speed up the application process
- Head off any objections
- Provide advice on other permission and consents
- Allow for early discussions on bonds, commuted sums and other fees and charges.
All developments that meet the adoption criteria will be subject to additional fees and charges which include.
- A non-performance bond;
- A commuted sum for future maintenance
- Inspection fees
- Adoption process fee
The adoption process fee charges are as below:
| Advice | Scale of development | Fees |
| Guidance and support before and during any statutory legal adoption process (mandatory) | 2-9 dwellings or in the absence of dwellings, we calculate fees based on floor space 0-999m2 |
£500 |
| 10-24 dwellings or 1000-1999m2 |
£1000 | |
| 24 +dwellings or 2000m2 |
£2000 |
