There are a range of schemes currently running in some areas of the National Park which can support property owners with the maintenance and improvement of non-mains drainage systems, including covering the costs of works in some cases:
- South Cumbria Rivers Trust’s Septic Tank Emptying Scheme (STEP)
- United Utilities’ Wonderful Windemere septic tank and non-mains drainage system upgrade scheme
- United Utilities First Time Sewerage
- Burrow Environmental and Our Rivers Partnership are delivering septic tank upgrades in nutrient neutrality areas with grant funding from the UK Government
These schemes are independent of each other and you may be eligible to access multiple schemes depending on your circumstances.
I have a septic tank, and I want to replace it with a newer system. Would this need a planning application?
If your existing installation only serves up to three houses a planning application is not required to replace it with a cleaner package treatment plant as long as certain criteria and conditions are met – these are set out in the Local Development Order <>
What is a Local Development Order?
A Local Development Order grants planning permission for specific developments. The Local Development Order only deals with planning issues and does not remove the need to comply with other non-planning legislation, such as environmental permitting, general binding rules or building regulations.
My installation would not meet the criteria in the Local Development Order. What now?
You need to submit a planning application and get approval before you can replace your system.
What information do I need to provide within a planning application which includes non-mains drainage?
Minimum details for a planning application are:
- A non-mains drainage questionnaire
- Location plans of the installation and any drainage field/outfall
- Scale plans and sections
- Percolation test results for tanks where the outfall is to ground
- Confirmation of whether an EA discharge permit is required, or whether the installation meets exemption requirements
- A supporting statement detailing whether the system would have any adverse effects.
Are there any schemes which could help me with maintaining my existing tank or the costs of upgrading?
Yes, but it depends on where you live.
If your property is within the Esthwaite Water catchment, or in parts of the River Eden catchment, River Derwent and Bassenthwaite Lake catchment, or River Kent catchment you may be you may be eligible for a free upgrade as part of a Government funded scheme to reduce phosphate pollution in those areas. You can find out more and register your interest with the two contractors Burrow Environmental and Our Rivers Partnership.
If your property is within Windermere catchment, United Utilities’ Wonderful Windemere septic tank and non-mains drainage system upgrade scheme is supporting homes and businesses to upgrade their existing non-mains drainage installations to high treatment standard to reduce phosphate levels in the area.
United Utilities First Time Sewerage programme operates across the north-west and provides an opportunity for suitable premises currently served by non-mains facilities to connect to be connected to a mains sewer network. This is often the most suitable option for properties close to an existing sewer.
South Cumbria Rivers Trust’s Septic Tank Emptying Scheme (STEP) can provide homeowners with advice on how to maintain their existing septic tanks so that they operate effectively, as well as free technical assessments and emptying services.
These schemes are independent of each other and you may be eligible to access multiple schemes depending on your circumstances.
I live near a mains sewer, will my septic tank be eligible for upgrade?
Part of the process for deciding eligibility of tank upgrades as part of the Package Treatment Plant Upgrade scheme for Nutrient Neutrality is that the tank is not in a location where connection to a mains sewer would be practicable. Therefore, it is unlikely that tanks will be upgraded in locations where the household is within 30m of a sewer.
Also, when tank owners get an upgrade as part of the Package Treatment Plant upgrade scheme for Nutrient Neutrality, they will have signed a legal agreement requiring them to maintain the unit. Therefore, connection to first-time sewerage would no longer be possible until such a time that the agreement expires.
How do I get planning advice?
We have a duty planner available by phone on weekdays between 9.30am and 12.00pm to answer queries on a first come first served basis. This service is for short telephone conversations (01539 724555) or brief email replies only.
