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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 6:14 pm
by Dustyroad
I have just found out that the new build house I am about to purchase has herring bone shaped land drainage channels laid into the back garden. This is because the builder has installed a mini treatment plant (installed into the adjacent plot) which will be used by all 5 new houses and there is nowhere else for the discharge to disperse. I am advised that a percolation test has been carried out. Apart from the maintenence of the treatment plant which is to be shared by all 5 properties can anyone advise of any potential problems that could occur with the drainage, especially after prolonged spells of heavy rain. Also, I do not know how deep the channels are but logic tells me that I will not be able to plant trees etc anywhere near, perhaps somebody could confirm. I feel that the house could be 'blighted' because of the drainage situation and may be unsellable in the future. Should I walk away?
Mike R.
Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 3:42 pm
by Tony McC
Is it just your garden that has been comandeered for the leach field? If so, you should check with your mortgage provider as there could be 'issues' with the deeds if adjacent properties have been covenanted rights to discharge. Further, it needs to be defined just who is responsible for any problems with the treatment plant and/or the leach field. Unless this is stated in the property deeds, you could be left with the bill for problems caused by your neighbours (if, for example, they were gormless enough to block the plant with "disposable" nappies, which has actually happened on numerous occasions in the past!)
Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 11:49 pm
by Dustyroad
Thanks for your reply. Yes the leach field is mostly in the garden of the house I am thinking of purchasing. There is just a few feet of drainage in the adjacent plot where it leaves the treatment plant before passing through the boundary. I am fortunate enough not to need a mortgage and this would not be an issue for me but, if I wanted to sell in the future then this could be a problem for any new purchaser. I understand that a management company will be set up with regard to the treatment plant and each household will contribute £100 every year for the maintenance and upkeep but will need to check that any problems occuring in the garden will be covered. I must admit that I do not like the fact that I will need to rely on the other households not to block the treatment plant. My feelings at the moment are that this house has to many negatives.
Mike R