House extension, mains cable and UKPN

[Bathwiggle]

Hi, 

Sorry I'm new, I've joined this forum as we've hit (yet another) problem with an extension we are trying to build.

 

So we have planning permission to build an extensive on what is currently the front of our house, moving the entrance 90 degrees, got planning permission, the design means we need to move all of our meters, and having called out UKPN for a survey they couldn't find where the mains cable was, so another two men came out, and couldn't find it, so they scheduled a trial did, which, much to their surprise showed that the mains cable runs less than 1m from the front of our house, all along our drive - exactly where our extension is.

 

They have informed up because it is ex-council that we don't get a wayleave due to housing act 1985 and have to pay to have it re-routed, and told me they have forwarded my details onto another department-but won't tell me which department.

 

Our builder is meant to be starting in 7 weeks, and when I told him this came up he said he'll just lintel over the cable and as he knows it is there it isn't an issue. 

 

Is this true?  If we have to pay to have the mains re-routed I would guess we can't afford the extension, but I don't know as no one can tell me what department I need to speak to.

 

-Title deeds state 'the conveyance dated 7 march 1985 referred to in the charges register was made in pursuant to chapter 1 of part 1 of the housing act 1980 and the land has the benefit of and is subject to such easements as are granted and reserved in the said deed and the easements and rights specified in paragraph 2 of schedule 2 of said act'

 

Under charges it says 'A conveyance of the land in this title dated 7 march 1985 made between (1) Colchester borough council and (2) names contains restrictive covenants.' .... but thats it.

 

Will be spending the rest of the day going through paperwork to see if anything else has been given to us.

 

Sorry for the essay and thanks for any help!