We've recently applied to Severn Trent to build over a class 3 public sewer running though our property. The sewer is 525mm diameter and at a depth of 2.4m. The manhole access for this run of sewer pipe is in next door's back garden.
We've fulfilled the application criteria and have had a CCTV survey of the sewer pipe which showed no signs of deterioration. The houses in the road and presumably the sewer was constructed in 1967. There is currently a conservatory and garage which are over or very near to the existing sewer pipe on our property. The proposed plans include demolishing the existing conservatory and garage and replacing these with a two storey side and rear extension (see plans attached).
As requested we've discussed with Severn Trent several times before submitting our application and were assured that it shouldn't be a problem. They've advised of the typical solution to building over sewers and we've included these in our plans which were submitted.
They've just come back and refused our application on the grounds that they need to maintain access to allow for future maintenance of the sewer system.
I've submitted a letter to they asking them to review and re-consider the application, as well as pointing our to them that the access to the drain already is restricted because of our garage and conservatory. I've also asked they to suggest a workable solution to allow us to build over this sewer. They've yet to get back to us (but it's only been 1 day!).
Questions:
is there likely to be a workable and cost effective solution to this?
What are the questions that I need to ask both my builder/architect and Severn Trent.
We've fulfilled the application criteria and have had a CCTV survey of the sewer pipe which showed no signs of deterioration. The houses in the road and presumably the sewer was constructed in 1967. There is currently a conservatory and garage which are over or very near to the existing sewer pipe on our property. The proposed plans include demolishing the existing conservatory and garage and replacing these with a two storey side and rear extension (see plans attached).
As requested we've discussed with Severn Trent several times before submitting our application and were assured that it shouldn't be a problem. They've advised of the typical solution to building over sewers and we've included these in our plans which were submitted.
They've just come back and refused our application on the grounds that they need to maintain access to allow for future maintenance of the sewer system.
I've submitted a letter to they asking them to review and re-consider the application, as well as pointing our to them that the access to the drain already is restricted because of our garage and conservatory. I've also asked they to suggest a workable solution to allow us to build over this sewer. They've yet to get back to us (but it's only been 1 day!).
Questions:
is there likely to be a workable and cost effective solution to this?
What are the questions that I need to ask both my builder/architect and Severn Trent.