Manholes On The Front Door

[Evan92]

I bought a newbuild property and it turned out that they have not installed the drainage pipe from one of the en suites to the main drainage system (raising questions about the CML process). The developer came and did a deep excavation but then added an inspection hole just in front of my main door. This is not according to the plans l was given before l bought the house. The developer claims that the plans can change but l feel they only put the manhole there as it was more convenient to them. Is there any legal requirements they need to meet and stick to the plans? Or should I have been consulted?

[roopower]

I don't know about manholes but my friends daughter moved into a new build. She picked the house particularly because thete was to be a playground nearby. Up went a house in that spot, the playground was going to be further along. There never was a playground, noone seemed to care that the plans has been ignored.

[barry1010]

I've heard about that sort of thing before, roo. Planned landscaping of the area, playgrounds and other shared amenities promised but never forthcoming. It really isn't good enough.

As for your newly installed manhole cover, Evan, it may well have been installed there because of a join, bend or other factor to the drainage pipes that might need access if there is a problem in the future. I feel you should have been consulted and fully understood the layout before it went ahead.

[The Builder]

The system's a shambles at times Evan.
Yes, the drainage connection should have been completed before handover.

Drainage layout would be on the detailed plans you signed up for. So they could argue that they really are sticking to the plans by making the connection now.

Don't get involved with arguments and litigation. It's a bottomless pit. I would concentrate on what can be done to make the inspection cover less of an eyesore. That would depend on what kind of paving material you're going for.