Failed at first hurdle

[lmrn1]

I wanted to build a timber double garage so thought before planning application would contact Severn Trent as I have a 300mm sewer running under my garden and the garage would be over the top of said pipe.  Garage base would be 150mm hardcore and 150mm concrete.

 

Seven Trent have come back and said a firm NO as they don't allow people to build over.  My problem is the neighbour opposite has a crick built double garage over the pipe to which he got permission and also a 2 storey extension on the rear well within 5 m of the pipe.  I feel they are being totally unfair. 

 

Does anyone have any advice please, would be much appreciated. 

[saveasteading]

It depends how much you risk a row with the neighbour.

Have they got permissions?

If so, you could ask SW why theirs is allowed and yours not.

If not.... there may be flak.

[lmrn1]

Neighbour had to dig a big hole to see how far down pipe was so got permission.  Said he’s got all paperwork so may ask him if I can have a look

[Nickfromwales]

9 hours ago, lmrn1 said:

Neighbour had to dig a big hole to see how far down pipe was so got permission.  Said he’s got all paperwork so may ask him if I can have a look

The worst he can say is “no”, plus it would be a convenient opportunity to mention that you’re looking to build over it “like you have”.

 

Then ask “did it all go well when you reached out to ST?”. Etc.

 

Then let them do the talking.  

[kandgmitchell]

ST don't allow building over for new detached structures  if the sewer is 300mm dia or more. They may have been more flexible for an extension eating into the working area either side of the pipe. Thames Water for instance will not allow new works over their larger sewers but will allow extensions to existing dwellings. The neighbour may have applied for permission for the extension and have been granted it subject to conditions. The garage could have of course been done on the fly or before any stricter policy has been brought in.

 

You will have some idea as to the depth of the sewer from the neighbour's experience. You could try an application stressing the nature of the building, the depth of the sewer and agreeing to remove the structure if major sewer works are required (and that's pretty unlikely unless it's your works that have caused it).

[Spinny]

You might want to have a careful look at all the info on the build over process and requirements on the ST website. I am in a different area, but I would imagine you may have a similar process where there are criteria about how far from sewers you need to be building - if you don't meet them you need ST approval. Then potentially possibly a self certification questionnaire you can complete to record that you meet criteria for not needing permission OR a form to complete to request approval where you have to give answers to relevent questions. Someone will then likely look at your request and the answers you gave and make a decision. You might therefore want to carefully consider EXACTLY what words you use to answer the questions. A garage might be described as 'build a new garage', 'extend my garage', or 'extend my property'. The last description may tick the box, the first may get a computer says no type answer.

 

My neighbour deliberately gamed the system for his side extension and built over the lateral drain into my property without getting approval. Simply on the basis that it wasn't 'the extension' he was building over the drain, but a 4.5 ft high planter wall and raised platform.

 

Potentially your neighbour had his extension and garage done under one set of combined plans, which was then all a home extension and therefore met criteria ?

 

Don't think that anyone spent hours pouring over your requirement, it is likely processed by someone without much knowledge or brain, or any discretion. They just read the request form and apply simple rules based on the words you have used and give an answer.

 

You might also want to consider getting planning approval first - more credible than a speculative enquiry which uses all the wrong trigger words.