Retrospective Build over Agreement Southern Water

As an SEO copy editor, I understand the importance of creating content that is both informative and optimized for search engines. In this article, we will be discussing the retrospective build over agreement with Southern Water.

The retrospective build over agreement (RBOA) is a legal agreement between homeowners and water and sewerage companies. It allows homeowners to build over existing public sewers or drains without the need for relocation, subject to certain conditions.

Southern Water is one of several water and sewerage companies in the UK that offer RBOAs. These agreements are designed to help homeowners who wish to build extensions or make other improvements to their properties, but are limited by the presence of public sewers or drains.

Under an RBOA, homeowners must agree to conditions such as allowing the water company access to the sewer or drain in the event of a blockage or other issues. They must also ensure that any building work complies with specific guidelines, including minimum clearance distances.

The RBOA can be applied for retrospectively, meaning that it can be granted after the building work has already taken place. However, this process can be more complex and costly than obtaining an RBOA before starting any building work.

In 2016, Southern Water came under fire for allegedly failing to notify homeowners about the potential need for RBOAs before carrying out work on public sewers. This led to a significant number of homeowners being faced with unexpected costs when seeking retrospective agreements.

Since then, Southern Water has worked to improve its communication and customer service processes around RBOAs. The company now provides clear information on its website about the RBOA process and requirements, as well as offering free consultations with homeowners to advise on their options.

In summary, the retrospective build over agreement with Southern Water can provide homeowners with a solution to building limitations caused by public sewers or drains. However, it is important for homeowners to carefully consider the conditions of the agreement and seek professional advice before proceeding. With the recent improvements made by Southern Water, it is now easier for homeowners to navigate the RBOA process and avoid unexpected costs.