damp proof course and drainage problems

[Annie]

We purchased a detached property from Westbury homes in May 04. The road to the side of the property as on all new developments wasn't completed. However 8 months on and the so called road (looks more like a patchwork quilt) is supposedly finished. We have a 45 degree incline from the side of the road, the road is 12 inches higher than our air grates and the surface water from 7 adjacent properties is now draining on to our 3foot wide shrubbery frontage. Originally till we pointed out to the builder the air bricks were approx 9inch below ground level. we arrived home one night to find only what can be described as a moat dug around the house. On questioning the builder he said its a French Drain that will cure your problem. We told him where he could shove his Drain and my husband asked to meet with the builder to discuss what they intended doing about the problem. They then decided we would meet the Technical Team to discuss. No such meeting was arranged but we were told they had met without us being present and they now had decided to dig a Wavy Coil drainage system and soakaway to aliviate the problem.We have read various articles on the internet and all seem to say that in UK climatic conditions these cannot cope with heavy rainfall plus we were under the impression it was illegal to have road surface contaminated water drain on to your property. In this instance it is from 7 other properties. We have now contacted the NHBC but have little faith after watching tonights Trevor McDonald. Do you have any other advise to offer

[Tony]

Let them know that you are going to the press. You might be surprised at the outcome, even if it is just a threat. Granada New Homes rom Hell are looking for case studies at the moment.

Tony

[hotshotmb1]

Do not accept a soakaway drain in this circumstance as it is not a long term solution to your problem. The amount of surface water shedding from 7 adjacent properties needs to be channelled into a properly managed fixed surface water drainage system. You should speak to your local Environmental Protection Agency and also your local council./ Imagine the problems you would face in a bad winter storm or worse a severe heavy frost, the puddles would freeze over and would be dangerous for cars and pedestrians alike. Good luck. Don't give in to the bully boys.

[ExCustomerLiaisonManager]

Whilst coming in late on this topic is the road in question a private road or is it an adopted one if it has been adopted then the highways authority will/should have been out to inspect it prior to adoption. Any defects they will have noticed should have been put back in the developers court and the road will not be adopted until all works are completed ...It would be prudent to contact the highways section of the local county council and check their position on this.