Flood risk activity exemptions

You can register an exemption if you meet the specific conditions set out in the technical guidance for flood risk activity exemptions. It is a criminal offence to carry out an exempt activity without meeting the appropriate conditions. It must be noted that works in close proximity to a designated site may not meet the exemption criteria.

It is free to register an exemption.

Exempt flood risk activities:

• the erection of an electrical cable service crossing over a main river
• the erection of a service crossing below the bed of a main river by directional drilling not involving an open cut technique
• service crossings attached to the outside of existing structures over a main river
• the construction of footbridges
• the maintenance of raised river or sea defences
• the maintenance of structures within the channel of a main river other than raised river or sea defences
• the construction of a drinking bay on the bank of a main river
• the construction of access platforms on the bank of a main river or that project into or over a main river
• the construction of small outfall pipes and headwalls to main rivers
• the repair and protection of main river banks using natural materials
• repair of bank slips and erosion
• the installation of channel habitat structures made of natural materials (excluding weirs and berms)
• the installation of rafts for survey
• gravel cleaning for fish-spawning beds
• construction of eel pass devices on existing structures
• construction of fish passage notches on an existing impoundment
• the excavation of scrapes and shallow wetland features in a floodplain
• construction of bankside wildlife refuge structures
• improvement works for tracks and paths

If you need to undertake temporary works (for example use scaffolding or coffer dams in the channel), contact us to discuss if a bespoke permit might be needed.

Register an exemption

Complete the application form to register an exemption.

You will need to include:

• the name and address of the individual or organisation responsible for carrying out the flood risk activity
• the 12-digit national grid reference where the exempt work is being carried out
• a location plan of where the work will be carried out

Once registered, your exemption details will appear on the flood risk activity exemption public register.