Paragraph 18

(1)

Before beginning to construct any specified work, the undertaker must submit to the drainage authority plans of the specified work and such further particulars available to it as the drainage authority may within 28 days of the submission of the plans reasonably require.

(2)

The undertaker must not commence construction of the specified work until approval, unconditionally or conditionally, has been given as provided in this paragraph.

(3)

Any such specified work must not be constructed except in accordance with such plans as may be approved in writing by the drainage authority or determined under sub-paragraph (1).

(4)

Any approval of the drainage authority required under this paragraph—

(a)

must not be unreasonably withheld or delayed;

(b)

is deemed to have been given if it is neither given nor refused within 2 months of the submission of the plans for approval (or submission of further particulars if required by the drainage authority under sub-paragraph (1)); and

(c)

may be given subject to such reasonable requirements as the drainage authority may make for the protection of any drainage work, for the protection of any ordinary watercourse or for the prevention of flooding or pollution or discharge of its environmental function.

(5)

For deemed consent under sub-paragraph (4)(b) to apply to any application for consent under sub-paragraph (1), the application must include a statement that the provisions of sub-paragraph (4)(b) apply to that application.

(6)

If a submission of plans for approval (or submission of further particulars if required by the drainage authority) under sub-paragraph (1) does not include the statement required under sub-paragraph (5), then the provisions of sub-paragraph (4)(b) will not apply to that submission of plans for approval.

(7)

Any refusal under this paragraph must be accompanied by a statement of reasons for refusal.