Paving over a manhole cover

[ssiscool]

Not sure if this is the correct location for this question but my neighbour is currently paving over their front garden and have paved over the manhole cover for the sewer. I was wondering whether it is illegal to cover the manhole cover.
Thanks

[jake-the-peg]

I wouldn't have thought so if it's on their property - just not very bright.

When I wanted to do this on laying a patio I built a frame around the manhole and laid a large slab over it. Then instead of cementing the joints around that large one I just filled with sand.

That way I can lift the slab and gain access if needed

[milly143]

I thought it was illegal to pave over a man hole. I remember when my step-dad was putting some decking in his garden he had to cut a removable panel into the decking so there was access to the manhole and I'm sure he told me this was a law.

[grasscarp]

Not a good idea. I remember at a previous house when there was a flood and the waterboard came into my garden to lift it up. They know where they are located obviously because at that stage you couldnt see it.

[danchip]

its not illegal as such however the water utilities companies legally require access to it whenever they require it, if you have paved over it and they need into it they will just dig it up send you the bill and leave you with a hole in your paved area

[grasscarp]

I am finding it hard to believe that your neighbour would not realise it is there for a reason!

[The Builder]

Hi Ssis ........... I guess this is a drain used by other properties and not just his?
Even if it is, it may not have been adopted by the local Water Authority. If you rang them and asked for the Mapping Dept. (might be different name where you live), they will have a drain map. They can tell you if your drain is on the map. If it is, your neighbour is being a prat. As said here, they would just dig it up if needed.
If not adopted, then you might have to uncover it if you need rodding access or whatever.
Either way .............. Prat.

[SeaJayPea]

They may also need planning permission if they're not using the correct permeable stuff. Pretty sure that, if they applied, they'd be told about the manhole as well.

See here:

http://www.planningpo...cts/workcommonpaving/

[landscaper2]

He must be some kind of idiot...........happens all the time tho, we've come across two this year alone. However, have a check to see if he has used 'recessed cover' with the blocks/slabs set inside, they can be disguised well. If so that will be fine, altho a bit of a beast to lift.

[bushbaby_de]

SeaJayPea.... permeable paving is only a requirement for front gardens, and planning departments have no involvement with manhole covers whatsoever.

ssiscool... call your local water utility provider as outlined by other posters.