Small side extension and soakaway

stgermain

Afternoon All
I'm looking at having a small side extension (1.9m x 4m so a glorified cupboard) built. Currently the space is a driveway to the side of my home used for nothing bar a water butt and bin storage. I have plans drawn up and a builder on board, and the whole project would come under permitted development.

I've tried to get a straight answer from the local authority planners on rainwater drainage but they haven't been too useful as yet. Given the area is currently hardstanding (i.e. no change to the current position in terms of increased run-off) and I'm on clay soil, I'm hoping I can have rainwater go into the combined drains. The alternative is a soakaway but I'm on clay soil that has previously failed percolation tests and a soakaway from the side of the house into the garden would likely make the project financially available. 

There is a soakaway in the garden from the rear extension I built a couple of years ago but it a) doesn't work well and b) would require taking up about 10 linear metres of driveway and a patio to access from the side extension. I also doubt the drop in run over that length could be achieved. 

I'd really appreciate any suggestions. 

Thanks in advance

Section62

stgermain said:

I've tried to get a straight answer from the local authority planners on rainwater drainage but they haven't been too useful as yet. Given the area is currently hardstanding (i.e. no change to the current position in terms of increased run-off) and I'm on clay soil, I'm hoping I can have rainwater go into the combined drains.

The planners don't have a role in commenting/advising on drainage for PD works.

It might be an issue for Building Control though.

But the easiest thing is to start by asking the local water company whether they would object to you connecting the gutter(s) to the combined drainage, on the basis the overall runoff won't be increasing (by much).

stgermain

Sorry, my mistake, I meant building control, of course. I contacted the water company a while back but they non-committal to say the least. I'll try them again, see if I can pin down a clearer response. Thanks.