Can I Build a Fence or Plant Trees Over Utility Pipes?

spupazza

Hi all, I’ve bought a site where we plan to build a house, and I’m looking for some advice.

There are utility pipes (water, gas, electricity, and broadband) that run just beneath the site boundary in one area of the site. We’re hoping to install a wall or fence along the boundary, and we’d also love to plant a few trees nearby to soften the landscaping.

Before we move ahead, I wanted to ask if it's possible (or allowed) to build a wall or fence on top of or near these kinds of utility pipes and if there are restrictions on planting trees near them.

Any advice, especially from people who’ve dealt with something similar, would be really appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

muffler

I can't give you a definitive answer other than to say that it's very unlikely that you will be able to carry out proposals over or in close proximity to the stated services. The service providers will most likely have retained an easement over that part of the property so in the first instance you should check the deeds of the property for the details and if necessary consult with a solicitor.

spupazza

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123299464#Comment_123299464

Thank you for your reply. We only have a wayleave for the water main pipe. I know there are also gas pipe, electricity and broadband pipes positioned together in this small area of the site.

The conditions on the wayleave say that the council is free to repair and maintain the pipe and that it is granted the free passing of the water.

muffler

It's a tricky one but you really can't block access for the council in any event. Walls, trees etc can be viewed as obstructions. Being practical about it would you really want the weight of a wall including a foundation bearing down on your gas pipe or the roots of a tree choking the other pipes?

spupazza

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123299788#Comment_123299788

What I would like to know, which options I have under regulations as I need at least the boundary wall to go over it.

LambshankRedemption

What I would do is put up a trellis and have a hinge on the trellis so it can be 'opened'. Then I would put a climber such as clematis on the trellis, thereby softening the area, they give nice flowers in spring and summer, but as they are a vine they are very flexible, so the trellis can be opened in case of maintenance work and they will yield. They are also very fast growing.

muffler

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123299837#Comment_123299837

As mentioned above you could put up a trellis or plant a hedgerow that requires minimal soil cover. If you are intent on building a wall then you need legal advice.