Works to dig in Shared Alley

[Rcs]

We live in a terrace property with shared access alley and need to dig a trench for the waste pipe for a new downstairs toilet. Our neighbour is saying that he will not let us do this due to previous issue when the gas and electric have dug up the alley to replace the supply to both properties. The works we plan will not be near the utility supplies as the trench will be going to the rear of the property

can he stop us from doing the work, if so what can we do legally to be allowed to do the work as there is no alternative route the pipes can take due to underfloor clearance being restricted?

 

[Conor]

Depends on who owns the alley. You'll need to dog through the deeds and registry.

[Redbeard]

Agree with Conor, but I'd also look at the Party Wall Act to see if that is relevant here. I vaguely remember reference to 'party structures' and wonder if that could be relevant to an alley. Although it is the nearest 'outside' you may not have an automatic right to go via the alley. Though v likely less convenient, how feasible would it be to dig a trench under the floor to get out to the rear (or front, if that's where the manhole is)?

[TommoUK]

if the alley is shared and there are existing shared services in the alley you likely have rights to connect, maintain, reinstate, renew etc.  As Conor said check  your deeds (if you have them) or order a copy of the 'title plan' and 'title register' from the Land Registry.  Sometime the Land Registry also hold copies of the original deeds which can be ordered.

Edited August 16, 2024 by TommoUK
typo

[twice round the block]

If it's terraced, does it have wooden floors downstairs? 

They quite often do and the floor joists are normally set up on brick piers with a large void below.

 

Another option could be a Saniflo system.