What happened

A side extension was foundation-poured when the water authority received an anonymous neighbour complaint about a build-over without agreement. The sewer was a small public foul.

How it was discovered

The water authority requested CCTV and asked for evidence of consent. None existed.

The consequences

Retrospective build-over application. CCTV survey of the sewer commissioned. Engineer's report on the protection of the sewer below the foundation. Six months and a four-figure fee.

What homeowners can learn

Build-over agreements take weeks to obtain. Start them the moment the design is fixed, not the week before excavation.