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Submit plansWe have outline planning permission for our plot but are coming up against neighbours not allowing us access across the lane to get electricity and water services. I was wondering if there is any way we can use solar power for the new house and how else we could get water to it. At the moment we seem to have paid a lot out and are getting nowhere. There must be a way as there are more rural plots than ours. Any help would be gratefully appreciated.
Hi,
I’ve forwarded your query to one of our experts so I should have some advice for you soon regarding your specific situation.
For any general advice on services, head to https://www.self-build.co.uk/services-on-site
Andrew (Build It’s Digital Assistant Editor)
I’m wondering what sort of neighbours you are dealing with if they won’t let you access to these essential services? I can only think that they really don’t approve of what you are doing and are being deliberately obstructive. I’ll have to assume that you have already contacted the supply companies and that no alternative connection can be made and that any dispute with your neighbours cannot be resolved by mediation, discussion or by financial inducements.
If going ‘off grid’ is the only option open to you, then depending on where you are, water might be available from a private bore hole and submersible pump. Much of the UK sits over underground aquifers and if you can tap into one, you will have your own supply subject to potability tests. Mains electricity can be more of a problem. There are plenty of stories of people living without mains electricity, generating their own power through photovoltaic panels and wind turbines which can be either used directly or exported to the National Grid, but the problem remains how to store energy at mains voltage for use when it’s dark and windless, especially if you want to enjoy the same energy-hungry electrical gadgets as everyone else whenever you want. Battery storage technology is improving and is coupled to the rise in electric vehicles. Tesla’s Powerwall has received much publicity, but is still expensive so you might try other UK companies such as Powerflow Energy who can help design and install off-grid systems.
Mike Hardwick (Build It Expert)
Hello thank you for your answer the neighbours we have approached have all been offered financial compensation but they have been advised by giving us access across their property would comprimise their properties by local solicitors so they will not oblige the other option we had meant coming across a small part of the lane again this has been blocked by neighbours we are at our wits end !!
