Investment house septic tank position

KevMayo88

I'm thinking of buying a cottage for sale near me and adding on a little extension to the side. The existing cottage is in a reasonably good condition already. On looking at it however, we have noticed that the treatment unit (which was installed in 2007) is located just 3m behind the back rear door of the cottage. It has been assessed and deemed to be working well. However, I have been told that treatment units need to be 7m from a house. If I go in for planning for a new extension, is it possible there will be an issue with the existing tank and its existing position? (The proposed new extension would be over 7m from the tank is only a sitting room). We don't want to be told to rip out a perfectly good and working tank to move it 4m from the house.

Biker1

Yes, 7m is the minimum distance from the house. Is the site of a size that they were limited to where they could put it and the percolation area? As you will have to include the treatment unit location in the planning application then they may make you move it.

KevMayo88

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120483374#Comment_120483374

I did some investigation on the issue. The site is quite small, and I assume the treatment unit and percolation area was placed where it is owing to the site restrictions. The unit was installed around 2006. I spoke to a someone who told me I will have to go for retention for the septic tank and percolation area should I go in for a new extension. However, an engineer friend of mine has told me that since the unit was installed in 2006, it predates the current code of practice in use and retention would not be required, although I would probably have to include a letter from a specialist confirming the unit is working ok. What does anyone else think- I'm getting differing advice.

ec_pc

Why don't you get the seller to get the retention sorted as part of the sale rather than taking it on yourself?

T-Maxx

As long as the new part is >7m you'll be OK - with regards to permission for the extension.

If you're adding a bedroom it's a different story altogether.

T-Maxx

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120496818#Comment_120496818

In an ideal world - yes. In reality though the seller will just wait for an unsuspecting buyer to come along.