Build Over Agreement for 3M Extension

[Dizzy907]

Good morning All,

I am looking to extend the rear of my property with a 3M extension. It currently has a conservatory that will be removed and a newer brick build will be built instead. There is a public sewer running across it, which would either need to be removed or provide a CCTV Report of the current state of the pipe(s).

What would be the best option, replace the pipes by making a diversion so it would not run under the pipes, or provide the CCTV Report?

The ST Water Build Over Form states the following:

If you are building over a public sewer you need to also provide:
- A CCTV survey report of the existing pipe(s), or
- Written confirmation you intend to replace the pipe(s)
If you have chosen to replace the sewer(s) rather than CCTV survey the existing pipe(s), this work can be done by
your contractor, subject to the work being carried out in accordance with Water UK confined space entry guidelines.

We had to provide plans first to your water company that looks after your drains. Plans will need to show current drains and the new drains installed which have to be over 1 metre away from groundwork. We recently went through this building a front porch where we have a main drain pipe just outside the 1 metre rule, but had to apply and get approval to do it, then we got our fee returned. With our water company this was the way they worked, we weren’t given the option to change the pipes, without approval first, maybe it’s different back of house to front of house.

Yes, I am not too sure if there's a difference between the front and the rear of the property. I didn't get anything back when I asked about the front porch. But I am ask to either provide confirmation that I will replace the pipes or get a CCTV report prior to starting any work and after as well.

Surely the cctv report will be far cheaper? But what if the report says the pipes are in poor condition? Then you presumably will need to replace them anyway? If it's shared pipe are you solely responsible for this cost even if an extension was not being built?