BotusBuild

@Oxbow16 - the slotted 3m stuff

I think my research has confused me. What type of pipes can I use in a STP leach field? Stiff or flexible pipe (see examples below), or will either do? Slotted 3m single socket stuff like this? - https://www.plastics-express.co.uk/underground-drainage/Underground-Drainage-110mm?product_id=1795 or Perforated Twinwall Drainage like this? https://www.drainagesuperstore.co.uk/product/perforated-land-drain-coil-pipe-100mm-x-100m.html

Soapstar, that is a very common setup - some have two meter boxes, one as above plus the meter in it and the other with the CU and feeds off to other locations.

I am "the workers" ? and for me "the chestnut tree" is adequate When I need major works (pouring cement) I will "hire-a-loo" for the short time the hired help are on site.

I did ? ... and Cornwall Council told me categorically that a time limit condition cannot be discharged, so I'm satisfying myself with the fact that I have evidence (dated photographs) approved (by Stroma) that I can put under people noses should they poke them in ?

I've read quote a few of the threads on STP and aerators. Does anyone know of a solar powered alternative that I can purchase to run the aerator temporarily? Our next task on site it to fit an STP but we will not have power run to drive the aerator pump to begin with. We have a caravan onsite and want to empty the "porta potty" into the STP to save trips in the car to get rid of the contents (and the possible leakages that may occur on the way ? ). I know this will mean using particular additives to stop bacterial homicide in the STP.

... and the planning for us was granted before this date, so it doesn't apply @DevilDamo @Omnibuswoman - see previous commentary: I spoke to my architectural engineer who lives and works in Cornwall and so is very familiar with the processes down there. He had just had the same situation with another client who had used a planning adviser, and it turns out the key is that building control (not planning) has a record that work has begun. As I am using Stroma for building control, this replaces Cornwall building control department, and so I have no need to tell the council I have started. I have the confirmation from Stroma that I have started before the end of the 3 year condition on the planning permission, and so can provide proof the condition was met if anyone asks. The attached photo of some drainage pipe in a trench approx 600mm deep with an inspection chamber attached was sufficient for Stroma. There were some other photos showing pea shingle around the pipe and chamber as well.

Belated follow up and to clarify a few things - we have Full Planning Permission granted 31 Oct 2017. Therefore, @Temp CIL does not apply. I thought that I had to tell the planning department at the council that I had started. Turns out I don't need to. I contacted Cornwall Council - the lack of knowledge of what I needed to do (or not do in this case) was astounding. I got three different pieces of advice as to what I needed to do. The last message I got started "If you'd like ..." !!!! I spoke to my architectural engineer who lives and works in Cornwall and so is very familiar with the processes down there. He had just had the same situation with another client who had used a planning adviser, and it turns out the key is that building control (not planning) has a record that work has begun. As I am using Stroma for building control, this replaces Cornwall building control department, and so I have no need to tell the council I have started. I have the confirmation from Stroma that I have started before the end of the 3 year condition on the planning permission, and so can provide proof the condition was met if anyone asks. @DevilDamo, the extra 6 months was in the back of mind, but I felt it was better to get in before the original 3 year limit. @Ferdinand, glad you celebrated my start in a good way.

Does anyone know if we have to discharge the "begin the development within 3 years" condition with the planning department as soon as work has started, or are we OK to have in place from Stroma (who are doing our building control work) a letter saying they are satisfied that work has started, which we have? FYI - our 3 years ends in October this year From what I am reading on the Cornwall website, it seems this can all take place after we have completed building (which could be 2-3 years after October this year).

The ground is slate and soil mix called shillet (sp?) which does seem to drain well. We are onsite this week suffering the rainstorms, the surface seems to remain firm, and two pits about 1m deep are always "dry" (no pooling of water) after each heavy downpour. The plot is near the top of a hill. Overall I don't think I'm going to have a problem. So, do I need the percolation test (in particular to support a building warranty if i get one)?

(Thinking the answers to these 2 questions maybe linked ? ) 1. Percolation test: is one necessary and can you provide a DIY result? FYI - We plan to get a warranty at the end of the build, "just in case". 2. How do you calculate how much soak away pipe in your herring bone field is required? Is there a useful website? Thanks

£850 - I would have as well ?

I would recommend getting someone to take the SAP doc and work out what size of heat pump you require - fit the wrong size and they can be expensive to run. Joe may just have got lucky ?

On an OS map a blank white area has no significant meaning. Ownership cannot be determine easily from an OS map, for that you need one or more of (i) the Land Registry (ii) local council (parish, town, county) (iii) a solicitor (iv) locals knowledge, to find the answer. Once you know who owns it, then you can try to get permission to use it/put a driveway on it, or purchase it. In either case you may need to get planning permission to put a driveway on the land.

Yes, your 3 points are spot on. Usually simpler to combine steps 1 and 2 (I got British Gas to put me on a standard tariff and fit the meter). You order of execution will be:- 1) Get your electrician to fit consumer unit and sockets, and tails to reach the meter 2) Select a supplier to get you on a standard tariff and to fit a meter Once the meter is fitted you can change your tariff from the standard one

They fitted a smart meter, although the very nice lady from British Gas, said it should not have been necessary until the house was built. Maybe I used the wrong terminology when I spoke to "call centre Charlie" by saying "new build" instead of "temporary build supply" but I can't remember ?

THE PLAN WORKED ?????

Where are you located? Always best to get someone local ?

Let's see if this plan works out:- My electrician to install consumer side stuff prior to 22nd July WPD (DNO) to connect supply on 22nd July British Gas to install meter tails from my electrician on 24th July ?

A quick update for anyone that might be interested: I now have the MPAN number as of yesterday, so today it should be on the national database - anyone know who is installing meters for free at the moment? I also have the electrician coming to installed consumer side pieces prior to WPD (DNO) doing their connection work on the supply side.

I was considering it, but didn't get a good feeling from my initial inquiries. Seems the UK side if things is just a sales arm, and they couldn't get their figure correct. A partner(?) contractor they put me in touch responded once then went dark, and when I ask the UK office for more technical info, they were not forthcoming. I saw the product at the Swindon NSBRC site and liked the fact they had the raft insulation and ICF wall system that seem well integrated.

Precisely the plan (maybe with a double socket ? ). I've got two meter boxes located right next to each other at the moment (there's a long term plan!), so the supply and meter will go in one box, and the CU and sockets in the other. I think I know the answer, but wanted to check - can I install the tails, CU and socket/s myself? Or are we beholden to the "no-one else is competent" signoff and certification from the electrician? BTW, I have nothing against good tradespeople - it just irks given some of the shoddy examples of the self-certified electrical work I have HAD to put right over many years

An update following my meeting with the (very friendly) WPD guys yesterday, so that others here have a point of reference. Here is the timeline for getting your WPD supply through to having some power sockets to connect to (I feel this flow of events would be similar across the DNO's):- 1. Sign the paperwork for your new supply and pay the invoice. Note: there will likely be some site visits involved before you get the invoice that you will need to pay ? 2. WPD will supply you with an MPAN number once you have paid. 3. Now you can approach your electricity Supplier of choice (e.g. E.On, nPower etc. - as PeterW says 4. Contract your electrician to fit the Consumer Unit, your power socket circuit and most importantly the tails from the CU that will fit in the Supplier meter. 5. WPD will do all their cable connection work up to the new white meter box ready for the Supplier meter to be installed. 6. Get your electrician to do their work as contracted in step 4. Note: this work can take place before step 5 7. Only once you have the WPD connections complete and the CU and tails installed can the Supplier now fit the meter. As the WPD chap said to me - if you can get the meter installed on the same day as the supply connection you will have worked a small miracle. Also, he said make sure they turn up after we have finished our work (for me that means about 2pm) Right, I'm off to see if I am allowed to install the CU and tails myself.

The following all comes with the caveat of "Coronavirus time" i.e. it could normally be shorter ? First inquiry was back in Jan 2019 (for budgeting purposes only, no application made). BTW - their estimate was a little higher than the actual ... First application contact mid-Mar 2020 (what timing!), and I received a quote towards end of Mar/early April via snailmail. I accepted quote in mid May 2020, with the caveat on completion being dependent on my ability to visit site to complete trenching, cabinet for meter box etc.. WPD are doing me a favour by bringing the meter box and other items to the site (normally you have to collect these from one of their depots). As things eased, I took a punt on agreeing completion of installation in w/c 20 July which is happening. FYI - for our connection, a network upgrade is required (uprated transformer somewhere up the line), and we are having to have an underground feed to next door re-routed as well as our supply connected.

Bubble burst Peter ? Looks like a more detailed conversation with the guys from WPD onsite on Monday. Drawing up wiring diagram as I speak ?