Dodders

Having had a rain garden scheme rejected by Dwr Cymru ,we did a soil infiltration pit test, and a soakaway was then suggested. But the civil engineer, who is familiar with the locale, was concerned about possible land slip as we are on a slope and there have been instances of land slip in the area. So he contacted a geo-technical expert who confirmed the engineer's concern about a possible landslip due to the ground conditions. The geo-technical chap suggested further testing of the ground. However this is not possible as the machinery required to carry out the test cannot access the site, and he suggested this be done post demolition. But, we cannot begin the demolition until the SAB condition attached to the planning approval has been discharged!! I explained all this to Dwr Cmryu and the SAB team a few weeks ago, and have since watched the tumble weed roll by.... It is over 500 days and counting since planning approval for a replacement dwelling. I am beginning to think that we may end up doing a refurb (polishing a turd!) instead of a replacement dwelling as we simply may not be able to discharge the SUDS scheme requirement condition because the engineering works required to satisfy both the engineers and Dwr Cymru would cost far too much. I would be so grateful if anyone has any suggestions. Thank you, in advance.

Hi I share your frustration. Having had a rain garden scheme rejected by Dwr Cymru , we did a soil infiltration pit test and a soakaway was then suggested. But the engineer, who is familiar with the locale, was concerned about possible land slip as we are on a slope and there have been instances of land slip in the area. So he contacted a geo-technical expert who confirmed the engineer's concern about a possible landslip due to the ground conditions. The geo-technical chap suggested further testing of the ground. However this is not possible as the machinery required to carry out the test cannot access the site, and he so suggested this be done post demolition. But, we cannot begin the demolition until the SAB condition attached to the planning approval has been discharged!! So, its back to Dwr Cmryu and the SAB team. This has now taken over 12 months to get to a point where we may have no choice but to discharge into the mains, as has been done off the same footprint for the past 50 years. GRRRR!

Thanks. Here are the floor plans.

Having recently introduced myself I thought I'd put a few pics showing what is, and what, all being well, will be. Demolition is due to begin in about 5 weeks. I am in the process of deciding which timber frame builder to offer the job to. Then during the lead time for the timber frame I should be able to get the new screed, insulation, sole plate etc etc in readiness for the timber frame. 🤞. The pic with the view is looking East, with the bungalow behind me.

PS. I also meant to say that if any member reading the above thinks I might be able to offer advice/knowledge on cabinet/woodwork/joinery I'd be happy to do so if I am so able/competent to do so.

Hi All, I am hoping to start work to demolish a 60's bungalow in a matter of weeks, and then rebuild using off-site timber frame. I have had planning approval for a year and as yet I am unable to begin as there is the flipping SuDS condition to discharge, which is proving frustratingly awkward. I am a retired (health issue) cabinet maker and have worked on a few building sites, and done some shop fitting. My bro-in-law also happens to be my architect, and he's currently completing a self build ICF annexe for himself just around the corner from my re-build. Despite these advantages it is still pretty daunting as I am the self appointed PM. I look forward to interacting with the good members of this forum, and hope that you won't mind me firing off the odd (probably dim) question. Onwards, and upwards! Tim