Surface water drainage - please help!

fezster

CatLady87, sorry if my OP wasn't clear in what it was saying:

> However, many older houses use public sewers for rainwater, and I suspect many have been done this way after extensions or new driveways, for ease.

Dont stress about this - it's relatively minor. Just go ahead and do it. Firstly, no-one is going to find out. And secondly, for them to argue it wasnt already connected prior to you buying the house is next to impossible. I'd plead ignorance in this scenario and get on with my life.

Jeepers_Creepers

Sorry I wasn't clear, CatLady.

If what the builder proposes is to run this drain and feed it to the manhole, and this would do the job, then I'd let him do it. I wouldn't bother myself with Planning or Build Control - you already pay for surface water removal, it seems.

Before that, however, I would seriously consider doing nothing to drain that water - it is surely only a temporary issue; whoever buys your house will almost certainly continue with either a connie there, or a proper extension. The original builder has seemingly already moved a manhole to take the water from this new extension, so I would just do as I said before - lay a 2" layer of decorative chippings over the slab to make it more attractive and also cover any pools until they evaporate, and use that part-built extension as a very good selling point - that's easily the most costly, messy and difficult part of the job done. If I were buying your hoosie, I'd see it as an asset, and the formation of rain pools as inconsequential.

You explain to the EA what's been built, and the purpose of the chippings.

If you plan to sell your house in 2021, I wouldn't even bother with the chippings - just leave it. The buyers can see what they are getting - and the vast majority will be pleased about it.

Too much hassle for a few little temporary puddles.

CatLady87

Thank you for all your help and advice, you’ve made a very worried single mum a whole lot happier! As you can probably tell, I just want to be a good seller! 

Might opt for some fake grass to make it look more appealing!

Do puddles on concrete amount to surface water flooding?!

FreeBear

CatLady87 said: Do puddles on concrete amount to surface water flooding?

Flooding suggests water running in to the house. A few puddles are perfectly normal and to be expected after any rain.

CatLady87

It’s certainly not coming into the house thank goodness 😅 

Thank you all so, so much.

Jeepers_Creepers

Fake grass it if you wish, but be completely upfront about what it is - a connie/extension that was stopped mid-job.

As I said, for me (and I bet most folk on here) that would be a great bonus; no founds to dig, no slab to lay, dwarfs walls already in place - just build a connie or timber-framed garden-room extension on top. Brilliant.

To me, it adds value!

Oh, and puddle is just that - a puddle. I have them, you have them, she has them, he has the... yougettheidea.

These have been exceptionally wet times, so puddles are to be expected.

CatLady87

Thanks @Jeepers_Creepers - I’m tempted to leave as it is and just make a note on the Property Information Form what you’ve said above, then I’ve disclosed exactly what it is!

The previous seller did note that foundations were laid but the build wasn’t carried out and my solicitor picked up on this as well. I’ve got the original PP which has now expired so I’ll include that with the deeds. Hopefully it will sell! 

Jeepers_Creepers

Almost certainly it's within 'Permitted Development' even if the permission has elapsed.

I would buy and get on with it - and not ever consult Planning... :-)

CatLady87

Just had a quick nosey at the average cost of extending...way beyond my budget! Haha. Here’s hoping someone thinks the same way that you do. I think the only reason work was stopped was because the neighbour kicked up a stink... but that wouldn’t be my issue to sort!

Jeepers_Creepers

Shhhhhhhhh!

You don't think that. You don't know it's that. That possibility never even crossed your mind...

"Why didn't they finish it? Hmm, no idea - I guess they ran out of money or time...? But, what a great project for the new owner, eh?!"