Nextdoor guttering on new extension - not to plans

[Julian Greenhalgh]

Hi

Sorry to ask but need something clearing up. We have a next-door neighbour which is building an extension. In planning approval it showed that they where putting down pipes in the end of the guttering. We have the only downpipes at this time as its a semi detached house. Now looking at the work it looks like they are not putting down pipes in and have upgraded the gutters to handle the flow, but our gutters are still the same. Would this be against Document H and could they force us to upgrade our gutters due to use having the only downpipes into clean water run off. Just need a little info before any next steps.

Many thanks in advance

 

[thomp1983]

Your neighbours can't force you to do anything it's your property, if they've upgraded your guttering to handle more water then reasonably they should pay to have yours upgraded as there expecting your guttering to handle there extra water.

This is probably easier solved by just asking them what their plans are and pointing out your concerns instead of steaming in telling them what they can and can't do

 

[^woody^]

What makes you think that the existing gutters won't cope?

Planning approval and document h (building regulations) are different things, and altering the roof drainage is not contrary to either. But there could be an issue under other property law in terms of accepting the run off, but that could be complex and time/ money consuming with solicitors involved.

 

[wessex101]

It depends how much extra roof area will be draining into the existing rainwater gutter. If we are only talking about a couple of m² it should not be a problem. If they've build a large extension with an extra 20 m² of roof area then it might well be a problem.

It is a reasonably simple calculation to work out the gutter/downpipe capacity and most gutter manufacturers have information online.

 

[Julian Greenhalgh]

Hi Everyone thank you for the comments the extension has gone through planning permission and we have the report that clearly says gutters and downpipes. The total area is in excess of 20m2 of new roof space. So if at the end they are not fitted I think we have a case to take it to planning from the local council its going to be a waiting game now.