Block Paving And Manhole Covers

[mayennaise]

Mt neighbour is in the process of block paving his back garden, including over a manhole cover that gives access to a drain/sewer that runs through three or four properties. Is this permitted ? I might add that is a council owned property.

[maggiebee]

OK until you have a bocked drain/sewer. Afraid the council would just dig up the block paving or the Water Board would. The manhole is there for a reason and should be left uncovered.

[LazyGun]

He has confirmed that his paving plan will cover up the manhole cover? Would not have thought that was legal at all.

My parents have just block paved much of their paths and gardens, but have worked around the manhole covers, ;leaving it accessible. Are you sure that this is not your neighbours plan?

[bookbinder]

Are you certain that he is actually blocking up/sealing the drain cover? It is possible to get drain covers that allow you to put thin 'slices' of blocks in them, to match the rest of the block-paved area.

[snags]

If he's doing it along the lines of the following link I can't see there being a problem as full access is still possible:

http://www.crystalclearideas.co.uk/installing-a-block-paving-manhole-cover.htm

[mayennaise]

Complete bricks have been laid right over the cover and you can't now see where the manhole is/was.

[pusskin]

Dont think thats right at all.
Our man hole cover in our side entrance is covered with a slab that can be easily removed if problems arise. we've had to lift on one accasion because it does serve other neighbours.

[bookbinder]

It looks as if your neighbour is in the wrong, then. A word with the council might be in order.

[LazyGun]

Well if as you have described it mayennaise, I would not have thought that was acceptable, especially in council owned properties. But as I say, not an expert. Certainly, were the water company to need to get access, then they would have every right to dig up the block paving and access the manhole.

But if you are sufficiently exercised about it as a concerned neighbour, I would have thought contacting the council might be in order.

[DSJ]

It is highly illegal. Inform the Council.

[The Builder]

It rather depends on exactly what he's done. If he's simply laid pavers over the existing covers with no access, then he's a prat.

Since this serves three properties, then the drain run would have been adopted by the local water company. They have statutory rights to enter and maintain. They would be well peeved if they can't find it. When they did, they would certainly remove the pavers to get at the chamber.

Not so much of a problem if he's installed a "frame"-type cover over the existing. These are bare covers that have pavers laid inside them to blend in with the rest. Access would still be there. That's all the Water Company would be looking for.

[Canary42]

///If he's simply laid pavers over the existing covers with no access, then he's a prat. ///

I second that.

[mayennaise]

You should see the front garden ! Its is currently housing a jetski on a trailer - he took down half of his front wall to get it in - Its like living next to the Beverly Hill Billies ! !

[Sipowicz]

If the drain is blocked and backs up, that jetski might come in handy!

[JB86London]

You can buy a manhole cover frame which you can block pave into and it can be lifted out with paving in for inspection I'll try and get a link for you http://www.wickes.co.uk/Clark-Drain-10-Ton-Block-Paving-Manhole-Cover+Frame-450x600mm/p/240732