Retrospective permission for built-over manhole (Ed.)

[bearC]

Im in the process of buying a house. Just had a call from the surveyor. He said the the current tenents said extension on the rear has been built over a manhole. Which for obvious reason isnt good .

We are currently waiting to find out if the owner has a build over agreement in place

If there is no build over agreement in place can this be obtained retrospectively? Obviously by the owner not us

Apart from this a and a few minor issues the house is good . Potential for off road parking space for a garage at the back .

 

[bearC]

Also would an indemnity policy for lack of build over agreement be satisfactory?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

When was the extension built? Is the drain a shared drain? Did the extension get Building Control Approval?

 

[thomp1983]

Is there any other manhole access to the drainage runs either on the property or via neighbours land?

 

[^woody^]

Use your legal advisor to advise you on the specifics of the situation.

 

[bearC]

When was the extension built? Is the drain a shared drain? Did the extension get Building Control Approval?

2022 . No paper work for the extension . Our solicitor has asked for an indemnity policy for that

Is there any other manhole access to the drainage runs either on the property or via neighbours land?

Looking on google. It looks like there in a manhole 2 doors down one side. Maybe another next door the other side. And then anothe 4 doors up

Use your legal advisor to advise you on the specifics of the situation.

When we actually get the report from the surveyor. We will go from there

 

[bearC]

Bit of an update:

It is just the pipe under the extension not the manhole.

Doing a bit reseach . Im wondering if it needed a build over agreement . Looking at the information on southern waters website

 

[bearC]

Weve also been told a lintel was put over the pipe so it would seem as if its been built correctly

 

[Nintendofan]

Weve also been told a lintel was put over the pipe so it would seem as if its been built correctly

does an extension built only 2 years ago without any paperwork not set off alarm bells? If they've cut corners with their legal obligations what else have they cut corners on?

 

[bearC]

Have they cut corners for legal obligations if the above guide has been followed?

 

[bearC]

Also our solicitor has asked for an indemnity policy. I belive it a was the owners son who built the extension

 

[Nintendofan]

Have they cut corners for legal obligations if the above guide has been followed?

yes as planning permission (if required) and building regs have not been completed as theres no paperwork. Unless they have photographic evidence of said works then its just their word your taking as as they want to sell they'll tell you whatever you need to hear.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

You should satisfy yourself that any works that have been carried out are up to standard, bear in mind an indemnity merely covers any legal costs should you be prosecuted by Building Control/the planners, it is absolutely not intended to cover the costs of making good any previous errors.