marsh3377

Thanks all. I have got a couple of companies coming back to me with quotes for moving the pipe.

Thanks for everyone's replies. Re the plot itself, the water table is very high and therefore the ground wet, hence needing the deep piles. It is a viable plot though, with houses either side of it. As for changing the shape of the proposed building, I don't want to do that because I need to maximise the financial viability and this shape best achieves that. Also, I don't want to push the house back as it's likely planning will be refused due to both moving off the current build line and affecting next door's light. I have now had confirmation from Thames Water that I do indeed need to divert - they will not sanction a Build Over agreement for a new build. It doesn't seem like a very big diversion is needed though, as per the green dashed line below. The question is what sort of cost this will be.

I've read on here and other places that going down the diversion route should be avoided if possible but from what you're saying it doesn't sound too bad? When you say it looks a little strange and the records may be wrong, in what way are you thinking?

Thanks for your reply, appreciate it. When you say "they don't like you building a new house over the actual line of the sewer unless there is an existing house there already" - are you saying there's a very good chance they would refuse a build over agreement?

Hi all, I am wondering if anyone can offer any help, advice or pointers. I am looking to purchase a plot which has a foul sewer pipe going diagonally across it. In order to make the most of the plot I would like to build over the drain as per the diagram below. There are inspection chambers (the red circles) either side of where I am proposing to build over (proposed house outline in blue), so access should not be an issue. The reason for my post is that even though I know a buiid-over is possible, I am concerned whether it will be more hassle than its worth. Just to add to the situation, due to the water table and soil conditions, piling is going to be needed (down to 18 or 20 metres). So, my main areas of concern are: 1) What are the chances of the water company just just refusing to allow a build over agreement? 2) The pipe being damaged by the piling vibrations 3) The requirements (and additional cost) for calculating, designing and actually installing the piles 4) The negative effect this may have on any potential sale (as it will come out in a survey) I am therefore wondering whether any structural engineers or anyone else who have had to do similar on their projects can offer any any wisdom, advice or any other extra information (either positive or negative!). Many thanks!

Thanks for all the replies. As with all things HMRC related it seems nothing is straight forward or clear!!

Thanks Dave. Would I need to do anything to prove this prior to the sale?

Hi all, I was just wondering if anyone had any knowledge and/or answers on the following question. I have an interest in a plot of land that currently has a bungalow on it and planning permission to demolish the bungalow and then build 2 new houses. I understand that if I was to buy the plot I would have to pay full Stamp Duty. But, after I'd purchased the plot if I was to knock the building down and then sell on one or both plots, would those buyers be entitled to pay reduced stamp duty as there would be no habitable dwelling? Thanks!

Thanks for the replies so far. In terms of insulation, we are definitely using good quality and thick insulation so it is going to be a very well insulated house. In terms of air tightness, we are not striving for fully air tight, but we are paying attention to this too so it should have a good air tightness rating.

Hi, I was looking for some help and advice regarding the size of Air source heat pump required. I am building a 5 bedroom, 3500 sq ft house and had a quote from NuHeat for a 16KW Air source heat pump and underfloor heating kit (upstairs and downstairs). Their quote was really high, which made me then start looking around. I ended up speaking with someone from Joule (who have a relationship with Samsung) and he advised that I need a 16KW AND an 8KW air source heat pump. I was just wondering if anyone has any educated opinion on this? Or if anyone has any recommendations of any companies that can provide specifications and quotes for air source heat pumps and underfloor heating? Many thanks, Anthony

Thanks, but it's aluminium I'm looking for.

Hi all, As per the title, if anyone could recommend any window and door suppliers in the Cambridgeshire area that would be really appreciated. Thanks!

I know it's been a while since this thread has been inactive, but I'm in the same boat - @Andy brown is there any chance you were still able to pass my your solicitors details? And indeed anyone else who can recommend a reasonably priced solicitor experienced with Development Finance loans would be hugely appreciated. Thanks.

Hi Joanna, I ended up going with Build Zone in the end. They were competitively priced and also seemed to have a good reputation so it made sense. I am building this house to sell so I opted for a full structural warranty rather than a Professional Consultants Certificate. I think whoever eventually opts to buy this house they will want that assurance. If I was building it for myself though I think I may well go for the PCC to save some money. Thanks, Anthony

Hi there, I am looking at getting a structural warranty for the property I am developing and I'm wondering if anyone had any experience with www.buildwarranty.co.uk? Thanks, Anthony

Damn! I'm still waiting for planning permission but had the site investigation done the other day! Thanks to everyone for helping with the answer though, really appreciated.

So would a Geotechnical site investigation definitely count as a survey?

Does anyone know if a Geotechnical site investigation is zero vat rated if it is specifically for a new build property? Thanks.

Thanks for the replies guys, appreciate it. I've sent a message to CVC Systems so hoping to speak to them soon. With the knowledge of Stiebel Eltron being the Rolls Royce / Bugatti of the ASHP world, I was just wondering what Samsung and Mitsubishi are like? I would love to go Rolls Royce but my budget might not allow it, hence good to know thoughts of other brands.

That's great, many thanks - will give them a call.

Hi all, New member looking for advice on Air Source Heat pumps. I am building a 5 bedroom, 3,500sq ft house and I am trying to decide on an Air Source Heat Pump for the building. There is no gas in the village so have to go with an ASHP. I've been recommended a Stiebel Eltron WPL 25 AS and I just wondered if anyone had any views on Stiebel Eltron? Also, any recommendations on any other ASHP brands and models? Many thanks, Anthony

Hi all, After setting up and running an IT company for 25 years I sold up recently with a dream of getting into property development. It's something I've always wanted to do and with all the cliches of "you only live once" ringing in my head I decided to go for it! I have purchased a plot of land just outside Cambridge and submitted a planning application for a 5 bedroom, 3,500 sq ft house. I'm going to be project managing it all myself and trying to learn as much as I can as quickly as I can. I've always believed in not being too proud to ask questions of experts, hence deciding to join this forum. Thanks for having me! Thanks! Anthony