A Build Over Agreement (BOA) is a legal agreement between a property owner and a utility company, allowing the owner to construct an extension or building on or over a public utility`s assets, such as water mains or sewers. In the case of Wessex Water, a BOA is required before any building work can be carried out over their assets.

Wessex Water is a major provider of water and sewage services in the South West of England, covering over 4 million people across 10,000 square miles. The company has strict guidelines in place for BOAs to mitigate the risk of damage to their infrastructure and ensure the continued provision of essential services.

The first step in obtaining a BOA from Wessex Water is to contact them and provide details of the proposed building work. This should include plans, elevations, and site layouts, as well as any information on the depth and location of Wessex Water`s assets.

Once this information has been provided, Wessex Water will carry out an assessment to determine whether a BOA is required and, if so, what conditions will need to be put in place. These conditions may include requirements for the installation of protective measures, such as reinforced concrete slabs or piling, to prevent damage to Wessex Water`s assets.

It is important to note that obtaining a BOA from Wessex Water can be a lengthy process, and it is recommended that property owners allow plenty of time for this in their building project timeline. The application process can take up to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the proposed work and the extent of Wessex Water`s assets on the site.

In addition to the application process, property owners must also be prepared to cover the costs of any works required by Wessex Water as a condition of the BOA. This may include the cost of any protective measures, as well as fees for inspections and maintenance of the assets affected by the building work.

In conclusion, a Build Over Agreement with Wessex Water is essential for any property owner planning to build over their assets. The process can be lengthy and involve extra costs, but it is necessary to ensure the safety of Wessex Water`s infrastructure and the continued provision of essential services to the community. Property owners should contact Wessex Water early in the planning process to allow plenty of time for the application and assessment process.