Mimimum distance drive to damp proof course - Replacement drive and buikding regs

[iankestin]

Dear all
I have read the very informative page on the main site about the minimum distances between the damp proof course and ground level.
Could I ask for some advice.
My inlaws are in a dispute with their neighbours over this issue. They have a house with a concrete drive adjacent to the neighbour's brick wall. The house was built in the 1960s and has always had a drive there. The level of the drive is about the same as the damp proof course in their wall with a gap of about 2 - 4 ins between the edge of the drive and the wall which is about 6 ins deep. The concrete of the drive has cracked and they are relaying with pavoirs. As far as i know, the drive does not drain into this gap. There have been no problems with damp in their walls.

Clearly this does not conform to a horizontal distance of 200mm and a vertical distance of 150mm mentioned in the article.

My questions are:

Is it OK to replace the drive surface with the same distances, given this is how it has been since the house was built.

Are these distances mentioned, ie 200 and 150mm, the law in building regs, or only recommendations?

thanks

ian

[lutonlagerlout]

the 150mm is a building regulation,but if they are replacing like with like i cannot see the problem
as long as they maintain a gap between the drive and the neighbours wall,there is no issue
if the neighbours are that worried let THEM install a lead soaker from the dpc 150 mm up at their own cost
LLL

[Mikey_C]

as they haven't finished can they not set the formation level 150mm lower enabling them to remain 150mm below dpc.

[lutonlagerlout]

150mm is a lot to dig out over a drive mikey
LLL

[Mikey_C]

granted, i did it on my drive, in places i had to dig down 2 foot. it does offer the perfect solution and this is the time to do it.

[lutonlagerlout]

its all about cost mikey
150 mm over a 50 m drive is another grab lorry
who will pay that £250
plus the labour for digging it out
plus the step to the front door

I know you are right in what you are saying, but if my neighbour tried to mug me off over money we would be falling out

there are kids dying in the world and some people have nothing better to do than look for fault in their neighbours building work
LLL