Steep incline toward side of bungalow - Soakaway

[King.Bob]

Hello,

I bought a new build (yes I know I know, we are both physically disabled and did not have choices) Bungalow that down the side has a steep incline toward the side of the property.

As usual asking the developer for help is a non-starter.

There is no option to grade away from the property due to the road (see photos).

Because we both have disabilities, and the awkward nature, keeping control of the grass or getting someone to do it is proving challenging.

The current grading is 2 bricks below the DPC.

I want to have the area covered with stones to make it manageable.

I have asked several landscapers quoting for suggestions on what we can do.

Currently there is no flooding even during heavy rain.

One contracter suggested a channel dug next to the house, a soakaway, filled with gravel and then weedmembrane and 20mm of stones on top.
All other quotes just say to dig the usual 20mm, membrane and stones.

Any suggestions or advice? I know the 5m rule however I have researched regarding shallow soakaways vs SUDS and the 5m rule depending on circumstances.

I am concerned about possibility of water getting above the DPC. (See photo 1 next to the small retaining wall where the grass and water and staining is).

Any advice as it is hard to find anyone to help when you have no family or friends and both disabled?

Should we have the soakaway and trench, or would just 20mm dug down, membrane and pebbles be best?

Thank you so much in advance.

Edit: TLDR basically we just want to make this manageable and maintenance free, what solution can we employ if stones with membrane is not the best idea. Thank you

 

[blup]

The tide marks suggest damp above dpc level near tne retaining wall. Can you build a low wall/ barrier somewhere between edge of highway and the bungalow wall to restrict major surface water run off from the road.

 

[charliegolf]

Spade-wide trench all along the wal, a foot or so deep, filled with 3/4 limestone chippings. Looks neat and will soak up a load of water.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I bought a new build (yes I know I know, we are both physically disabled and did not have choices) Bungalow that down the side has a steep incline toward the side of the property.

Surely, that is a design defect, and the house builder, is liable to fix it?

 

[King.Bob]

The tide marks suggest damp above dpc level near tne retaining wall. Can you build a low wall/ barrier somewhere between edge of highway and the bungalow wall to restrict major surface water run off from the road.

Yes this is our concern. No, because the developer has final say of the "look" and style of the developerment they will not permit something like this. But that was my thought first too.

 

[King.Bob]

Spade-wide trench all along the wal, a foot or so deep, filled with 3/4 limestone chippings. Looks neat and will soak up a load of water.

Thank you, yes this is what 1 of the quotes has suggested and most likely what we will have to do. Thank you for commenting.

 

[King.Bob]

Surely, that is a design defect, and the house builder, is liable to fix it?

In a logical world of logical people like outselves or yourself yes, in a world where the large companies with the money, the excuse that it's within "tolerance" or "it's been signed off by NHBC", they just ignore and fob you off until the cows come home. They always just use the fact that it has been signed off and they will even come inside and say "oh look there's no damp or mold", or even when there is they'll blame you, "oh you didn't heat the home, you didn't air the home enough". They never want to spend or take responsibility. And you'll spend months or years arguing whilst they delay and never reply.

 

[linwight]

Take a look at this: https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/what-is-a-french-drain I believe it can be made to any width and any depth, so could in theory replace most of the grass between your bungalow and the roadside. As that side of your home is on a slope, it may be possible for it to to be directed into a storm drain. You may also be interested in this - found on google in response to "Do developers have a duty to provide flood protection": Planners and developers have a responsibility to ensure future developments are sustainable and do not increase flood risk to the site or surrounding area.

• Consider all types of flooding: Developers must consider all types of flooding when planning a development.
  
  
  
• Use sustainable drainage systems: Developers must use sustainable drainage systems to manage surface water.
  
  
  
• Demonstrate flood resilience: Developers must demonstrate that their development is appropriately flood resilient and resistant.
  
  
  
• Prioritize sustainable drainage systems: Developers must prioritize the use of sustainable drainage systems.
  
  
  
• Provide flood defense systems: Developers can provide manual or automatic flood defense systems.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

There is no flooding, provided the dpc is 150mm or so above the ground level then whats the issue?