In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, domestic users typically do not require a licence if abstracting less than 20 cubic metres per day.  However, in Scotland, all abstractions, regardless of volume, require authorisation but a licence is only required for abstraction volumes greater than 50 cubic metres per day.  It's advisable to consult with the relevant regulatory body or a professional consultant like Igne to confirm your specific requirements.

The duration varies depending on the complexity of the application and the region. For example, in England and Wales, the Environment Agency aims to decide on applications within four months, while temporary licences may be processed within 28 days. 

Applications generally require detailed information about the proposed abstraction, including technical specifications, environmental assessments, and evidence of land access rights.  Specific requirements may vary by region, so it's essential to consult the relevant regulatory authority's guidelines.

Yes, we offer comprehensive services, including pre-application consultations, groundwater investigations, environmental assessments, and application preparation and submission.  Our expertise ensures that all regulatory requirements are met, facilitating a smooth licensing process.

Abstracting water without the necessary licence is illegal and can result in enforcement actions, including fines and orders to cease abstraction.  It's crucial to secure the appropriate licences before commencing any water abstraction activities.

Exemptions vary by region.  For instance, in England and Wales, abstractions of 20 cubic metres or less per day are exempt from licensing.  However, specific activities or areas may have different thresholds or conditions.

Exemptions vary by region.  In England and Wales, abstractions of 20 cubic metres or less per day are typically exempt from licensing.  However, in Scotland, even small-scale abstractions require registration with SEPA.

Northern Ireland follows a similar approach to England and Wales, but exemptions may depend on local environmental considerations.  It’s always best to seek professional advice to confirm whether your specific abstraction qualifies for an exemption.

In England and Wales, you can search the Environment Agency’s public registers to check for existing abstraction licences associated with a property.  Scotland and Northern Ireland have similar systems managed by SEPA and NIEA, respectively.  If you're unsure, Igne can help determine whether a licence exists and whether it covers your planned water use.

Yes, abstraction licences are typically tied to a specific location rather than an individual.  If a property with an existing abstraction licence changes ownership, the new owner may be able to transfer the licence, subject to approval by the relevant regulatory authority.

However, conditions may apply, and some modifications might be necessary.  Igne can assist with licence transfers to ensure a seamless transition.

If your application is refused, the regulatory authority will provide reasons for the decision.  In many cases, modifications to the application, such as adjusting the proposed abstraction volume or implementing additional environmental protections, may improve the chances of approval.  Igne has extensive experience in dealing with such scenarios and can work with regulatory bodies to address concerns and improve the likelihood of a successful resubmission.

The cost of obtaining a water abstraction licence varies depending on factors such as location, abstraction volume, and the complexity of the application.  Fees typically include application charges, potential environmental assessment costs, and annual subsistence fees.

In England and Wales, the Environment Agency provides a fee schedule, while SEPA and NIEA have their own cost structures.  Igne can provide a tailored estimate based on your specific project needs.

If your water abstraction requirements change, you may need to apply for a licence variation.  This could include increasing or decreasing your abstraction volume, changing the source of abstraction, or modifying the purpose of use.  Regulatory authorities require such changes to be formally approved, and Igne can assist with the necessary applications and documentation.