House in tatters

Reciprocater

Some of the comments are hardly helpful. The original solicitor can only advise on matters revealed by searches. 'Lanes' suggests the ground plan associated with the deeds does not show the drain in question. Did any of the other searches reveal it's existence? Somebody somewhere must have a plan showing it's presence for it be changed from a private to a public drain/sewer in 2008. Surely someone must have been informed of this change of status. I very much doubt the water company would have just 'adopted' the drain/sewer without telling at least one of the interested parties. There is likely to be some obscure statutory requirements dealing with such matters. I reiterate I would start from scratch with a new Solicitor. This would review the work of the original Solicitor to verify nothing was missed. The issue of redress could be advised upon. Further to my previous post. Our Solicitor advised that as the sewer was a public one, the water company could gain access to it at anytime without notice or warrant and that any 'making good' would be our responsibility and at our expense. 'Lanes' , it appears to me there are several possibilities as to why you were not aware or informed of the existence of this drain. You clearly and understandably feel that your home has been devalued and possibly blighted by this issue. What do the other three householders have to say about the matter? Should you be considering joint action? I would not let the matter rest for my own peace of mind. If you really can not afford the initial outlay for a Solicitor and it has to be DIY research I would start at the very beginning with the local authority planning department. Don't forget that you may have to pay a fee to some of the bodies/authorities you subsequently deal with. Once you have done all the research do you have the expert knowledge to take the matter further? Having been almost caught out I appreciate how vexed you must feel. Please keep the thread running. I would like to know the outcome of your deliberations.

pawlala

where is this development?