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Q&As
Small Developer Question – Bungalow Without Mains Sewage?
Hi,
We are looking to buy a new bungalow for my mum using the proceeds of her house.
The small developer is building 14 plots with 4 bungalows. At the viewing today he mentioned that it was not on mains sewage drainage, but a modern treatment plant.
I’m just wondering why they haven’t connected to the main sewer system, as they are neighbouring 50 new Jones homes and 150 Bloor homes that have recently been built on the green belt, just completed on adjacent land on the edge of town.
We lost my father last week and my mum is disabled so we can’t afford to make a mistake with this as we will be financing with the sale of the existing house.
Should we just walk away or is this a legitimate solution for a small builder to reduce costs?
They said it was because they were not near the main sewer system, but on reflection how has this not affected Jones and Bloor Homes next door to the site on the green belt area?
Any advice really appreciated?
Many thanks
Sarah
One Answer
There can be a number of reasons why your small developer was unable to connect to the mains, and quite possibly it’s because of all those new homes which will have pushed the existing infrastructure to the limit, even to the point where there can be no new connections to the existing system.
In this case, it is quite common practice to use an off-mains solution such as a treatment plant. Personally, I wouldn’t be worried by this response.
I’d see it more as a practical solution to a problem rather than a cost-saving measure.
Modern treatment plants are not much different to being on the mains and if sized and set up correctly, they really are nothing to worry about.
You will need to be careful what goes down the loo and to use cleaning products will not harm the friendly bugs doing the work inside the plant. Don’t walk away, have a chat with the builder and let him reassure you that it will be the right system for the plot and that it will be installed correctly.
I think you will be fine.