Neighbour drain, help needed!

[xdrive]

Hi guys.

Bit of a tricky one. Ive got a shared drain with my neighbour (white line) and man hole at edge of my extension (not fully built in photo).

My neighbour has built 2 houses in his back yard (don't ask)

However he doesn't have any drainage. So he has asked if he can build one in my garden and attach below my manhole. He said he will pay fee to water company then it will be their responsibility.

He did say he will compensate me but would like to know if this is a good idea and what long term implications it may have.

Anyone got any advice in this area.

Thanks

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

It's fine if its all done by the book ie with the water company's and BC approval and you're happy with the compensation. I would hazard that you should probably engage a suitable solicitor to handle the legal side of it though, your appointment/choice at his expense.

 

[Scally-Ho]

I can't foresee any troubles providing he gets the falls right and indemnifies you fully in writing for any future problems concerning the new drain.

 

[xdrive]

Im also worried about it impacting sale of my house in future

 

[Scally-Ho]

Im also worried about it impacting sale of my house in future

Many new houses connect up to existing drains of other adjacent properties without any problems. If the rules are followed and inspection is signed off, all should be problem free.

 

[Koolpc]

I wouldnt to be honest...

 

[xdrive]

I wouldnt to be honest...

What's your reason?

 

[Koolpc]

What's your reason?

I wouldnt want the hassle now or in the future..

 

[Dereekoo]

Well if he goes through the water company and then they accept the responsibility of it as a shared drain then they will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of the section of drain currently in your garden which at the moment is your responsibility, what is there to lose

 

[Murdochcat]

What does the BCO say about this?

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

You may hold all the Ace's here. Neighbour cannot develop without access to drainage, are there any other options for a Gravity Sewer from his plot? If the only feasible point tot connect is on your property, suitable compensation would be required for the upheaval. Water Co, will take responsibility for the new section (and the existing if that isn't already shared), so provided it is laid properly and your garden reinstated to your satisfaction, it's a few £ in your pocket for the inconvenience.

Other option is for him to fit a small pump station and pump to the nearest sewer he can access, but that'll be more expensive I suspect.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

What does the BCO say about this?

BCO won't object if the water company approve it.

 

[xdrive]

Currently there are 4 neighbours using the shared drain before it joins on the main one in street. Will adding another 2 houses pose any issues?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Probably not but that would all be considered by the water company. There are two sides to this, the practical one and the legal one.

In simple terms, practically the builder would apply to the water company for a new connection to the existing sewer, this would involve him getting a drain survey (CCTV) carried out which will determine the condition and material of the existing drainage, then he can submit his application and will need to include connection details falls etc, everything they need in order to accept the application, provided everything is acceptable they will approve the application - they will check the existing drainage can cope and expect any upgrades to be carried out by him if necessary. He won't get Building Control approval unless he gets the water company to approve this.

Then there's the legal side, ensuring you get paid, what happens if he goes bust, does he pay beforehand, solicitor may put a hold on his property's maybe, getting his and your deeds changed as necessary etc etc.

 

[xdrive]

Probably not but that would all be considered by the water company. There are two sides to this, the practical one and the legal one.

In simple terms, practically the builder would apply to the water company for a new connection to the existing sewer, this would involve him getting a drain survey (CCTV) carried out which will determine the condition and material of the existing drainage, then he can submit his application and will need to include connection details falls etc, everything they need in order to accept the application, provided everything is acceptable they will approve the application - they will check the existing drainage can cope and expect any upgrades to be carried out by him if necessary. He won't get Building Control approval unless he gets the water company to approve this.

Then there's the legal side, ensuring you get paid, what happens if he goes bust, does he pay beforehand, solicitor may put a hold on his property's maybe, getting his and your deeds changed as necessary etc etc.

Amazing. Thank you for that. I'd take payment before work starts to avoid any issues.