Replacing Soakaway

[Djl]

Hi all. First post here.
We are currently getting to the end of our renovation project and the next phase is the driveway. 

There is currently an old brick lined soakaway in the centre of the drive that is used for rainwater from half of the roof. 
This particular soakaway is heavily silted. up  and I would like to replace it with soakaway crates. 
My local building control or not answering emails or phone calls so can anyone advise on replacement soakaways that are within 5 m of the property to replace aforementioned brick lined one.
 

Thank you. 
dan

[saveasteading]

Wouldn't a brick chamber be easy to clean of silt with either a sucklift service, or getting in there with a shovel?

As it is existing , that will avoid the need for permission.

 A crate system will replicate what you have, although one in parallel would give you more temporary storage.

[Djl]

My thinking was once it’s exposed I’d might as well replace the lot with crates.  Are you saying I wouldn’t need planning because I’m replacing like for like?

[saveasteading]

I am assuming you have a brick chamer with a  cover. This is clear volume, unlike a rubble soakaway so holds lots of water, then it dissipates.

Presumably there is a cover, and through it you are seeing silt. So why not just clean it out?

[Djl]

No there is no cover. I disturbed the soakaway during exploratory excavations that’s the only reason I know it’s silted up. 

 

[ProDave]

How can there be no cover if it's under a driveway?  how do you know it is still in use?  It sounds more like something disused that was filled in to enable the driveway over it if no lid? 

[joe90]

I had a soak away under my drive in a previous cottage with no lid, just a large excavated hole filled with brick rubble.

[Djl]

I think that section of the driveway may have been a lawn in the past. I’ve confirmed it’s still in use as I checked the roof runoff when I first disturbed the soakaway.

 

[joe90]

@Djl your original question was do i need permission? Well you tried asking and got no reply so (IMO) crack on and do what you want, you are “renovating” something that exists so cannot see it’s a problem.

[Djl]

Thank you. I’m inclined to do that.

I just wish my local Building Control were easier to get hold of🙄

[joe90]

11 hours ago, Djl said:

I just wish my local Building Control were easier to get hold of

Don’t we all 🤷‍♂️