Land Drainage Act 1976

1976 CHAPTER 70

An Act to consolidate certain enactments relating to land drainage.

[15th November 1976]

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Act amended (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/593, reg. 2, Sch. 1

C2 The base date version of this Act is as revised to 1.12.1991 and takes into account the effects (if any) on it of consolidating legislation which came into force at that date

C3 Act extended by S.I. 1986/208 art. 2(1)

C4 Act modified by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), ss. 136(7), 137(10) (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)–(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)

C5 Act amended by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 136, Sch. 15 para. 1(4), Sch. 26 para. 38 (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)–(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)

C6 Certain functions of a Minister of the Crown under any provisions of this Act transferred (1.9.1989) by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 136, Sch. 15 para. 1(2) (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 189(4)–(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)

C7 By Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 136, Sch. 15 para. 1(1) (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 189(4)–(4), 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58) it is provided that, subject as mentioned therein,(a) for any reference in this Act (however framed) to any one or more water authorities there shall be substituted a reference to the National Rivers Authority;(b) for any reference in this Act to a regional land drainage committee there shall be substituted a reference to a regional flood defence committee;(c) for any reference in this Act to a local land drainage scheme there shall be substituted a reference to a local flood defence scheme;(d) for any reference in this Act to a local land drainage committee there shall be substituted a reference to a local flood defence committee; and(e) for any reference in this Act to a local land drainage district there shall be substituted a reference to a local flood defence district.

C8 Functions of water authorities by virtue of any scheme or order made under this Act transferred subject to the provisions of this Act by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 136, Sch. 15 para. 1(3) (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 189(4)–(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)

C9 Act saved by S.I. 1991/1619, art. 12 (with art. 8)

C10 Definition of "watercourse" in this Act applied (26.7.1991) by S.I. 1991/1760, art. 2(1)

Definition of "watercourse" in this Act applied (28.9.1991) by S.I. 1991/2210, art. 10(1)

Commencement Information

I1 Act not in force at Royal Assent but wholly in force at 17.1.1977 (being the appointed day for the coming into force of the Land Drainage (Amendment) Act 1976, see s. 118(2))

Part I E+W Introductory

Water authorities E+W

1—3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F1 E+W

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 1–3, 20, 62, 117(4), Sch. 5 para. 7 repealed by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 190, Sch. 27 Pt. I (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 189(4)–(10), 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 41(1), 57(6), 58)

4, 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F2 E+W

Textual Amendments

F2 Ss. 4–19, 63, 64, 67–69, 71, 72, 74–79, 80(2)–(4), 102–104A, 117(1)(3), Sch. 6, Sch. 7 paras. 6, 8, Sch. 8 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), Ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15)

Internal drainage boards E+W

6, 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F3 E+W

Textual Amendments

F3 Ss. 4–19, 63, 64, 67–69, 71, 72, 74–79, 80(2)–(4), 102–104A, 117(1)(3), Sch. 6, Sch. 7 paras. 6, 8, Sch. 8 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15)

Main rivers and their control E+W

8, 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F4 E+W

Textual Amendments

F4 Ss. 4–19, 63, 64, 67–69, 71, 72, 74–79, 80(2)–(4), 102–104A, 117(1)(3), Sch. 6, Sch. 7 paras. 6, 8, Sch. 8 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15)

Transfers of functions and reorganisation of internal drainage districts E+W

10—13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F5 E+W

Textual Amendments

F5 Ss. 4–19, 63, 64, 67–69, 71, 72, 74–79, 80(2)–(4), 102–104A, 117(1)(3), Sch. 6, Sch. 7 paras. 6, 8, Sch. 8 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15)

Review of boundaries, supervision and exercise of functions in default E+W

14—16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F6 E+W

Textual Amendments

F6 Ss. 4–19, 63, 64, 67–69, 71, 72, 74–79, 80(2)–(4), 102–104A, 117(1)(3), Sch. 6, Sch. 7 paras. 6, 8, Sch. 8 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15)

Part II E+W Powers of Drainage Authorities

Carrying out drainage works, etc. E+W

17—19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F7 E+W

Textual Amendments

F7 Ss. 4–19, 63, 64, 67–69, 71, 72, 74–79, 80(2)–(4), 102–104A, 117(1)(3), Sch. 6, Sch. 7 paras. 6, 8, Sch. 8 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15)

Drainage works concerning more than one drainage authority E+W

20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F8 E+W

Textual Amendments

F8 Ss. 1–3, 20, 62, 117(4), Sch. 5 para. 7 repealed by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 190, Sch. 27 Pt. I (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 189(4)–(10), 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 41(1), 57(6), 58)

21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F9 E+W

Textual Amendments

F9 Ss. 21–61, 106–115 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15) (subject to a saving for ss. 45 to 47 in Sch. 2 para. 2(5) and as so saved ss. 46(8), 47(1) are amended by S.I. 1990/118, reg. 12)

Arrangements with other persons and powers as respects the obligations and rights of other persons E+W

22—27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F10 E+W

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 21–61, 106–115 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15) (subject to a saving for ss. 45 to 47 in Sch. 2 para. 2(5) and as so saved ss. 46(8), 47(1) are amended by S.I. 1990/118, reg. 12)

Control of obstructions in and structures in, over or under watercourses E+W

28, 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F11 E+W

Textual Amendments

F11 Ss. 21–61, 106–115 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15) (subject to a saving for ss. 45 to 47 in Sch. 2 para. 2(5) and as so saved ss. 46(8), 47(1) are amended by S.I. 1990/118, reg. 12)

Schemes for drainage of small areas E+W

30, 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F12 E+W

Textual Amendments

F12 Ss. 21–61, 106–115 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15) (subject to a saving for ss. 45 to 47 in Sch. 2 para. 2(5) and as so saved ss. 46(8), 47(1) are amended by S.I. 1990/118, reg. 12)

Flood warning systems E+W

32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F13 E+W

Textual Amendments

F13 Ss. 21–61, 106–115 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15) (subject to a saving for ss. 45 to 47 in Sch. 2 para. 2(5) and as so saved ss. 46(8), 47(1) are amended by S.I. 1990/118, reg. 12)

Incidental powers E+W

33—39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F14 E+W

Textual Amendments

F14 Ss. 21–61, 106–115 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15) (subject to a saving for ss. 45 to 47 in Sch. 2 para. 2(5) and as so saved ss. 46(8), 47(1) are amended by S.I. 1990/118, reg. 12)

Part III E+W Restoration and Improvement of Ditches

40—44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F15 E+W

Textual Amendments

F15 Ss. 21–61, 106–115 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15) (subject to a saving for ss. 45 to 47 in Sch. 2 para. 2(5) and as so saved ss. 46(8), 47(1) are amended by S.I. 1990/118, reg. 12)

Part IV E+W Raising of Revenue by Drainage Authorities

Power of water authorities to require payment of their land drainage expenses by local authorities E+W

45—47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F16 E+W

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 21–61, 106–115 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15) (subject to a saving for ss. 45 to 47 in Sch. 2 para. 2(5) and as so saved ss. 46(8), 47(1) are amended by S.I. 1990/118, reg. 12)

Power of water authorities to raise drainage charges E+W

48— 51. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F17 E+W

Textual Amendments

F17 Ss. 21–61, 106–115 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15) (subject to a saving for ss. 45 to 47 in Sch. 2 para. 2(5) and as so saved ss. 46(8), 47(1) are amended by S.I. 1990/118, reg. 12)

Supplementary provisions as to drainage charges E+W

52— 61. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F18 E+W

Textual Amendments

F18 Ss. 21–61, 106–115 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15) (subject to a saving for ss. 45 to 47 in Sch. 2 para. 2(5) and as so saved ss. 46(8), 47(1) are amended by S.I. 1990/118, reg. 12)

Alternative basis for financing drainage expenses of water authorities E+W

62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F19 E+W

Textual Amendments

F19 Ss. 1–3, 20, 62, 117(4), Sch. 5 para. 7 repealed by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 190, Sch. 27 Pt. I (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 189(4)–(10), 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 41(1), 57(6), 58)

Power of internal drainage boards to raise drainage rates E+W

63, 64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F20 E+W

Textual Amendments

F20 Ss. 4–19, 63, 64, 67–69, 71, 72, 74–79, 80(2)–(4), 102–104A, 117(1)(3), Sch. 6, Sch. 7 paras. 6, 8, Sch. 8 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15)

65, 66. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F21 E+W

Textual Amendments

F21 Ss. 65, 66, 70, 73, 80(1), 81 repealed by S.I. 1991/523, reg. 8

67—69. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F22 E+W

Textual Amendments

F22 Ss. 4–19, 63, 64, 67–69, 71, 72, 74–79, 80(2)–(4), 102–104A, 117(1)(3), Sch. 6, Sch. 7 paras. 6, 8, Sch. 8 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch.3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15)

70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F23 E+W

Textual Amendments

F23 Ss. 65, 66, 70, 73, 80(1), 81 repealed by S.I. 1991/523, reg. 8

Supplementary provisions as to drainage rates E+W

71, 72. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F24 E+W

Textual Amendments

F24 Ss. 4–19, 63, 64, 67–69, 71, 72, 74–79, 80(2)–(4), 102–104A, 117(1)(3), Sch. 6, Sch. 7 paras. 6, 8, Sch. 8 repealed (1.12.1991) 1by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch.3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15)

73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F25 E+W

Textual Amendments

F25 Ss. 65, 66, 70, 73, 80(1), 81 repealed by S.I. 1991/523, reg. 8

74—79. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F26 E+W

Textual Amendments

F26 Ss. 4–19, 63, 64, 67–69, 71, 72, 74–79, 80(2)–(4), 102–104A, 117(1)(3), Sch. 6, Sch. 7 paras. 6, 8, Sch. 8 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch.3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15)

80

(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F27

(2)—(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F28

Textual Amendments

F27 Ss. 65, 66, 70, 73, 80(1), 81 repealed by S.I. 1991/523, reg. 8

F28 Ss. 4–19, 63, 64, 67–69, 71, 72, 74–79, 80(2)–(4), 102–104A, 117(1)(3), Sch. 6, Sch. 7 paras. 6, 8, Sch. 8 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch.3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15)

81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F29 E+W

Textual Amendments

F29 Ss. 65, 66, 70, 73, 80(1), 81 repealed by S.I. 1991/523, reg. 8

82, 83. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F30 E+W

Textual Amendments

F30 Ss. 82–100 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch.3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15) (subject to a saving for s. 89, in Sch. 2 para. 2(5))

Miscellaneous revenue-raising powers E+W

84—88. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F31 E+W

Textual Amendments

F31 Ss. 82–100 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), sS. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15) (subject to a saving for s. 89, in Sch. 2 para. 2(5))

Interpretation of Part IV E+W

89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F32 E+W

Textual Amendments

F32 Ss. 82–100 (1.12.1991) repealed by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), sS. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15) (subject to a saving for s. 89, in Sch. 2 para. 2(5))

Part V E+W Powers of the Minister and Local Authorities

Powers of the Minister E+W

90—96. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F33 E+W

Textual Amendments

F33 Ss. 82–100 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15) (subject to a saving for s. 89, in Sch. 2 para. 2(5))

Powers of local authorities E+W

97—100. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F34 E+W

Textual Amendments

F34 Ss. 82–100 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15) (subject to a saving for s. 89, in Sch. 2 para. 2(5))

101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F35 E+W

Textual Amendments

F35 S. 101 repealed by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), ss. 1, 102, Sch. 17

102—104A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F36 E+W

Textual Amendments

F36 Ss. 4–19, 63, 64, 67–69, 71, 72, 74–79, 80(2)–(4), 102–104A, 117(1)(3), Sch. 6, Sch. 7 paras. 6, 8, Sch. 8 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch.3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15)

Part VI E+W Miscellaneous and General

105 Provisions relating to London. E+W

Schedule 5 to this Act, which contains provisions relating to London, shall have effect.

106—115. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F37 E+W

Textual Amendments

F37 Ss. 21–61, 106–115 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch.3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15) (subject to a saving for ss. 45 to 47, 89 and 110 in Sch. 2 para. 2(5) and as so saved ss. 46(8), 47(1) are amended by S.I. 1990/118, reg. 12)

116 Interpretation. E+W

(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

• “drainage” includes defence against water (including sea water), irrigation, other than spray irrigation, and warping;

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

• “land” includes water and any interests in land or water and any easement or right in, to, or over land or water;

• “land drainage” means the drainage of land and the provision of flood warning systems, and “land drainage functions” shall be construed accordingly;

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

• [F39 “London excluded area” means so much of Greater London and of any area adjoining Greater London as did not on 31st March 1986 lie, for the purpose of the exercise of land drainage functions, within the area of any water authority;]

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F38

Textual Amendments

F38 S. 116 repealed, except so much of subsection (1) as defines “drainage”, “land”, “land drainage”, “land drainage functions” and “the London excluded area” by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), s. 3, Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15)

F39 Words in s. 116(1) substituted by S.I. 1986/208, Sch. 1 para. 5

117 Transitional provisions, consequential amendments, repeals and saving. E+W

(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F40

(2) The enactments mentioned in Schedule 7 to this Act shall in consequence of this Act, be amended as there provided.

(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F40

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F41

Textual Amendments

F40 Ss. 4–19, 63, 64, 67–69, 71, 72, 74–79, 80(2)–(4), 102–104A, 117(1)(3), Sch. 6, Sch. 7 paras. 6, 8, Sch. 8 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15)

F41 Ss. 1–3, 20, 62, 117(4), Sch. 5 para. 7 repealed by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 190, Sch. 27 Pt. I (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 189(4)–(10), 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 41(1), 57(6), 58)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C11 The text of s. 117(2), Sch. 7 paras. 3, 5 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

118 Short title, commencement and extent. E+W

(1) This Act may be cited as the Land Drainage Act 1976.

(2) This Act shall come into force immediately after the coming into force of the M1 Land Drainage (Amendment) Act 1976.

(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F42 , this Act extends to England and Wales only.

Textual Amendments

F42 Words repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 17.1.1977 appointed for commencement of Land Drainage (Amendment) Act 1976 (c. 17) by S.I. 1976/2244

Marginal Citations

M1 1976 c. 17.

SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 1-4 E+W . . . F43

Textual Amendments

F43 Schs. 1–4 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 para. 10, 14(1), 15)

Section 105.

SCHEDULE 5 E+W Provisions Relating to London

Interpretation E+W

1 (1) In this Act, subject to any order under sub-paragraph (2) below, “the metropolitan watercourses” means—

(a) so much of the river Thames as lies within the London excluded area, including all its associated watercourses within the flow and re-flow of its tides in that area;

(b) the watercourses shown marked in red on the signed plan as defined in and for the purposes of Part II (Alteration of Kent River Authority area and London excluded area) of the M2 Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1968;

(c) the river Ravensbourne, the Chaffinch Brook, the Beck River, the Pool River, the Quaggy River, the Kid Brook, the Kyd Brook and the Lower Kid Brook, and their associated watercourses;

(d) the Beverley Brook, the river Graveney, the Pyl Brook and the river Wandle, and their associated watercourses;

(e) the river Brent, the river Crane and the Duke of Northumberland’s river, and their associated watercourses;

(f) any watercourse that immediately before the commencement of this Act was a metropolitan watercourse by virtue of an order under paragraph 15(2) of Schedule 14 to the M3 London Government Act 1963;

and . . . F44

(2) The Minister may, after consultation with . . . F45 the council of any district or London borough appearing to him to be affected, by order provide that—

(a) the whole or any part of a watercourse within the London excluded area shall become a metropolitan watercourse; or

(b) the whole or any part of a watercourse other than the tidal Thames shall cease to be a metropolitan watercourse; or

(c) the whole or any part of a metropolitan watercourse shall become or cease to be a main metropolitan watercourse;

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F45

(3) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any enactment or instrument, no part of any of the metropolitan watercourses shall be or form part of a public sewer.

Textual Amendments

F44 Definition of “main metropolitan watercourse” repealed by S.I. 1986/208, art. 5(3), Sch. 2

F45 Words repealed by S.I. 1986/208, art. 5(3), Sch. 2

Marginal Citations

M2 1968 c. xxxix.

M3 1963 c. 33.

2 E+W In this Schedule—

• “associated watercourse”, in relation to any river, means a tributary or other watercourse the water from which ultimately flows into, or which is directly or indirectly connected with, that river;

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F46 ;

• “flood works”, in relation to the tidal Thames, has the same meaning as in the local enactments relating thereto;

• “the former county of London” means the area constituted by the county of London as it existed immediately before the passing of the M4 London Government Act 1963 (under which the said county ceased to exist);

• “local enactment” means—

(a) in relation to any watercourse falling within paragraph 1(1)(a) above, the Thames River (Prevention of Floods) Acts 1879 to 1962 and section 14 of the M5 London County Council (General Powers) Act 1932;

(b)-(f) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F46

• “the tidal Thames” means the watercourses falling within paragraph 1(1)(a) above;

• “watercourse” includes all rivers and streams and all ditches, drains, cuts, culverts, dykes, sluices, sewers and passages through which water flows;

• and any mention of a particular river shall not be construed as prejudicing the meaning of the expression “associated watercourse”.

Textual Amendments

F46 Definition of “the Authority” and subparagraphs (b) to (f) in the definition of “local enactment” repealed by S.I. 1986/208, art. 5(3), Sch. 2

Marginal Citations

M4 1963 c. 33.

M5 1932 c. lxx.

General provision with respect to the London excluded area E+W

3 (1), (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F47 E+W

(3) Part III of the M6 Surrey County Council Act 1925 shall not apply to any area outside the London excluded area.

Textual Amendments

F47 Sch. 5 para. 3(1)(2) repealed by S.I. 1986/208, art. 5(3), Sch. 2

Marginal Citations

M6 1925 c. cxv.

Functions of the Greater London Council with respect to the metropolitan watercourses E+W

4 (1) Subject to paragraph 6 below, and to any provision made by an order under section 84 or 87 of the M7 London Government Act 1963— E+W

(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F48

(b) the local enactments relating to so much of the tidal Thames as lies within the former county of London shall apply to the whole of the tidal Thames (as defined for the purposes of this Schedule), and in those enactments references to, or which are to be taken as references to, the county of London shall be construed as references to the London excluded area;

(c) no functions relating to the drainage of land, flood prevention and the like matters shall (subject to paragraph 6 below) be exercisable with respect to the tidal Thames by any authority under any local statutory provisions other than the enactments mentioned in sub-paragraph (b) above.

(2) In sub-paragraph (1)(c) above “local statutory provisions” means provisions of a local Act (including an Act confirming a provisional order) or provisions of a public general Act passed with respect only to the whole or part of the former county of London or provisions of an instrument made under any such local or public general Act or of an instrument in the nature of a local enactment made under any other Act.

Textual Amendments

F48 Sch. 5 para. 4(1)(a) repealed (and functions of Greater London Council transferred) by S.I. 1986/208, arts. 3, 5(3), Sch. 2

Marginal Citations

M7 1963 c. 33.

5 E+W Subject to section 21 of the M8 Metropolis Management (Thames River Prevention of Floods) Amendment Act 1879 [F49 the power of the Thames Water Authority] under the said Act of 1879 and the other enactments relating to the tidal Thames to approve, require the execution of and execute flood works for the protection of land from flooding by the river Thames in the London excluded area shall be exercisable by them for the protection of land from flooding by such of the river’s associated watercourses as immediately before 1st April 1974 lay within the flow and re-flow of its tides in the Lee catchment area.

Textual Amendments

F49 Words substituted by S.I. 1986/208, art. 5(1), Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 6(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 Functions of Greater London Council transferred by S.I. 1986/208 art. 3

Marginal Citations

M8 1879 c. cxcviii.

6 E+W Paragraph 4 . . . F50 (b) above and so much of paragraph 2 above as relates to paragraph 4 . . . F50 (b) above shall not be construed as extending or restricting the application of any of the local enactments relating to the tidal Thames to property for the time being held for the purposes of their undertaking by the Port of London Authority or as extending or restricting the functions of that Authority.

Textual Amendments

F50 Words repealed by S.I. 1986/208, art. 5(3), Sch. 2

General provision with respect to the Greater London Council and the Thames Water Authority E+W

7 E+W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F51

Textual Amendments

F51 Ss. 1–3, 20, 62, 117(4), Sch. 5 para. 7 repealed by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 190, Sch. 27 Pt. I (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 189(4)–(10), 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 41(1), 57(6), 58)

8—11. E+W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F52

Textual Amendments

F52 Sch. 5 paras. 8–11 repealed by S.I. 1986/208, art. 5(3), Sch. 2

SCHEDULE 6 E+W . . . F53

Textual Amendments

F53 Ss. 4–19, 63, 64, 67–69, 71, 72, 74–79, 80(2)–(4), 102–104A, 117(1)(3), Sch. 6, Sch. 7 paras. 6, 8, Sch. 8 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15)

Section 117(2).

SCHEDULE 7 E+W CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS

M9 The Water Act 1973 E+W

Marginal Citations

M9 1973 c. 37.

1 E+W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F54

Textual Amendments

F54 Sch. 7 paras. 1, 4 repealed by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 190(3), Sch. 27 Pt I, (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)–(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 41(1), 57(6), 58)

Other Acts E+W

2 E+W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F55

Textual Amendments

F55 Sch. 7 paras. 2, 7 repealed by Highways Act 1980 (c. 66, SIF 59), s. 343(3), Sch. 25

3 E+W In paragraph 1(3) of Part III of Schedule 9 to the M10 London Government Act 1963 for “Section 31(2) of the Land Drainage Act 1930” substitute “Section 29(1) of the Land Drainage Act 1976”.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14 The text of s. 117(2), Sch. 7 paras. 3, 5 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Marginal Citations

M10 1963 c. 33.

4 E+W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F56

Textual Amendments

F56 Sch. 7 paras. 1, 4 repealed by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 190(3), Sch. 27 Pt I, (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)–(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 41(1), 57(6), 58)

5 E+W In section 3(9) of the M11 New Forest Act 1964 for “any drainage authority as defined by the Land Drainage Act 1930” substitute “any drainage body as defined by the Land Drainage Act 1976”.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15 The text of s. 117(2), Sch. 7 paras. 3, 5 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Marginal Citations

M11 1964 c. 38.

6 E+W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F57

Textual Amendments

F57 Ss. 4–19, 63, 64, 67–69, 71, 72, 74–79, 80(2)–(4), 102–104A, 117(1)(3), Sch. 6, Sch. 7 paras. 6, 8, Sch. 8 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15)

7 E+W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F58

Textual Amendments

F58 Sch. 7 paras. 2, 7 repealed by Highways Act 1980 (c. 66, SIF 59), s. 343(3), Sch. 25

8 E+W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F59

Textual Amendments

F59 Ss. 4–19, 63, 64, 67–69, 71, 72, 74–79, 80(2)–(4), 102–104A, 117(1)(3), Sch. 6, Sch. 7 paras. 6, 8, Sch. 8 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15)

SCHEDULE 8 E+W . . . F60

Textual Amendments

F60 Ss. 4–19, 63, 64, 67–69, 71, 72, 74–79, 80(2)–(4), 102–104A, 117(1)(3), Sch. 6, Sch. 7 paras. 6, 8, Sch. 8 repealed (1.12.1991) by Water Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 (c. 60, SIF 130), ss. 3, 4(2), Sch. 3 (with s. 2, Sch. 2 paras. 10, 14(1), 15)