Knocking down conservatory and building a proper extension

[TheHandyAndy]

We have a conny at the moment, we'd like to demolish and build a proper extension instead. Going to apply for permission etc... Hopefully in the near future. However, there is a sealed manhole under the floor at the moment which would have to stay anyway, but my questions are;

How do I know if the previous householders had permission to build over the drains / sewers?

Given that they may have had permission, how likely is it that we'll be given the all clear to build from the water company?

If permission was never requested / given and I phone the water company to ask for permission to build, they could now say no to the new building and make me pull down the conservatory also?

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Andy.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Does the drain serve your dwelling alone or does it serve any other dwellings?

 

[TheHandyAndy]

Unsure to be honest. I have a friend who is a drainage engineer, so think he'll be the next person to ask. What difference will it make if its mine or shared?

 

[noseall]

Unsure to be honest. I have a friend who is a drainage engineer, so think he'll be the next person to ask. What difference will it make if its mine or shared?

Shared means that it is a 'sewer' and belongs to the water company.
Any other drains that just serve your property are yours alone.

The depth of the drain/sewer will also have an impact on future work if it is excessively deep.