Schedule 7 to the Cardiff Bay Barrage Act 1993 includes a comprehensive Free Protection Scheme for properties in South Cardiff, and some parts of Llandough and Penarth, that were built before 25th May 1994.  The area of protection (known as the protected property area) is shown on the plan below and contains approximately 21,500 buildings.  The protection scheme was also available to properties outside the protected property area providing a request was received prior to impoundment and that the appropriate fee was paid.  The protection period lasts for 20 years from the commencement of impoundment, that is from 4 November 1999.

In order to ensure that the protective provisions of Schedule 7 were afforded to each property, a series of condition surveys were arranged both before and after impoundment of Cardiff Bay.  The pre-impoundment surveys were carried out by the Cardiff Bay Development Corporation. Cardiff Harbour Authority carried out the post-impoundment surveys during the period between 4th November 2001 and 3rd November 2002.

The surveys for each property were compared and if groundwater damage was noted the owner/occupier of the building would be entitled to free remedial works, or in certain situations, the payment of compensation.  The Cardiff Bay Barrage Act 1993 defines groundwater damage as 'damage caused or probably caused by an alteration of groundwater levels occurring in consequence of the construction of the barrage'.  

The protection scheme applies not only to residential buildings but also to industrial, commercial and public buildings such as hospitals, churches and schools. 

Although both the pre and post-impoundment surveys have been completed, the groundwater protection scheme allows for up to 2 further surveys of properties within the protected property area and those outside the area who have joined the scheme.    

The first survey is available to all properties that are included in the groundwater protection scheme.  Between the period beginning 3 years and ending 20 years after the commencement of impoundment (that is between 4th November 2002 and 3rd November 2019), the owner or occupier of a building within the protected property area may require the County Council to arrange one further survey of their property.  This survey is commonly known as the ‘as of right’ survey.

The second survey is available where there is a justified concern that groundwater damage has or is likely to occur.  Between the period beginning with and ending 20 years after the date of commencement of impoundment (that is between 4th November 1999 and 3rd November 2019), the owner or occupier may require the County Council to undertake a further survey if they are able to show justifiable concern that the property has suffered or is likely to suffer groundwater damage.   This survey is commonly known as the ‘justified concern’ survey.

Further information on the groundwater protection scheme is provided in the Groundwater Protection Scheme Notice and Groundwater Provisions Code of Practice.

A helpline has been established in order to answer any queries from the general public in relation to the surveys.  Officers have access to a large database which was established to record all survey details for both the pre and post-impoundment surveys.  Further survey details will also be recorded on a similar database.

The helpline staff can also assist if a duplicate survey report of either the pre or the post-impoundment survey is required.  Duplicate copies can be obtained by sending in the fee of £10 for each survey required together with a letter proving ownership or tenancy of the property.

The groundwater helpline operates between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 4.30pm on Fridays. 

The groundwater helpline number is Tel: (029) 2087 7906.