What are the General Binding Rules for septic tanks?

The General Binding Rules are conditions set by the Environment Agency that allow septic tanks to operate without a permit. Key rules include: discharge must be to a drainage field (not a watercourse); the system must serve a domestic property; daily discharge must not exceed 2 cubic metres; the tank must be maintained and emptied regularly; and the discharge must not cause pollution.

When do I need a permit for a septic tank?

You need an Environment Agency permit if: your septic tank discharges more than 2 cubic metres per day; you want to discharge to a watercourse (requires treatment plant upgrade); the property is within a groundwater Source Protection Zone 1; the discharge is to or near a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); or it's a commercial or industrial property.

How much does a septic tank permit cost?

If you need an Environment Agency permit, the application fee is typically £125-£300 for domestic properties. There is also an annual subsistence charge of around £100-£200 to maintain the permit. However, most domestic septic tanks operating under General Binding Rules don't need a permit and have no associated fees.

Do I need planning permission for a septic tank?

Most septic tank installations don't need planning permission as they fall under permitted development. However, you will need Building Regulations approval (Building Control sign-off). Planning permission may be required in conservation areas, near listed buildings, or for large commercial installations. Always check with your local planning authority.

Do I Need a Permit for a Septic Tank in the UK?

Q: Do I need a permit for a septic tank in the UK?

In most domestic UK cases, you do not need an Environment Agency permit if your septic tank complies with the General Binding Rules. These rules allow septic tanks to operate without a permit if they discharge to a compliant drainage field, serve no more than 2 cubic metres per day, are properly maintained, and don't discharge to sensitive areas. A permit may be required for larger systems, commercial properties, or discharges near protected waters.

Understanding when you need an Environment Agency permit for your septic tank—and when the General Binding Rules allow permit-free operation.

Short answer: In most domestic UK cases, you do not need an Environment Agency permit if your septic tank complies with the General Binding Rules. A permit may be required for large discharges (over 2m³/day), sensitive locations, or if you want to discharge to a watercourse (which requires upgrading to a treatment plant).

DrainageGPT Expert Team

Off-Mains Drainage Specialists | Last updated: January 2026

When You DON'T Need a Permit

Most domestic septic tanks operate under the General Binding Rules without needing an Environment Agency permit. You qualify if:

You discharge to a drainage field (not a watercourse)
Your daily discharge is 2 cubic metres or less (typical for up to 10 people)
The property is domestic (not commercial or industrial)
You're not in a Source Protection Zone 1 for groundwater
Your discharge doesn't affect protected sites (SSSI, SAC, SPA)
You maintain the system and keep emptying records

When You DO Need a Permit

You must apply for an Environment Agency permit if:

Your discharge exceeds 2 cubic metres per day
You want to discharge to a watercourse (stream, ditch, river)
Your property is in a groundwater Source Protection Zone 1
The discharge is near a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
It's a commercial or industrial property
You cannot meet the General Binding Rules conditions

Understanding the General Binding Rules

The General Binding Rules (GBRs) are conditions set by the Environment Agency that allow small sewage discharges to operate without a permit. They were introduced to simplify regulation for domestic properties while protecting the environment.

Important: Even without a permit, you must still comply with the GBRs. Non-compliance can result in enforcement action and fines.

Key Requirements Under GBRs

Discharge to ground only: Septic tanks must discharge to a drainage field—never directly to a watercourse
Maintain the system: Regular emptying and maintenance records must be kept
No pollution: The discharge must not cause pollution or harm to the environment
Correct siting: Drainage fields must be at least 50m from drinking water sources and 10m from watercourses

What If I Currently Discharge to a Watercourse?

If your septic tank currently discharges directly to a stream, ditch, or river, this is no longer legal under the 2020 General Binding Rules changes. You must take action:

Your options:

Install a drainage field (if soil conditions allow)
Upgrade to a sewage treatment plant (which can legally discharge to a watercourse with GBR compliance or a permit)
Connect to mains sewer (if available within 30 metres)

Permits: What You Need to Know

How to Apply for a Permit

If you need a permit, apply to the Environment Agency (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales). The process involves:

Completing an application form
Providing site plans and system specifications
Paying the application fee (£125-£300)
Waiting for assessment (typically 4-8 weeks)

Permit Costs

Application fee: £125-£300 (depending on complexity)
Annual subsistence: £100-£200 per year to maintain the permit
Variation fee: £95-£200 if you need to change permit conditions

Building Regulations vs Environmental Permits

Don't confuse environmental permits with Building Regulations approval:

Environmental permit/GBRs: Controls ongoing discharge to protect the environment
Building Regulations: Controls installation standards (you need Building Control sign-off for new installations)
Planning permission: Usually not required for domestic septic tanks under permitted development