I have found a plot of land on which to build a house but the closest water supply is on the other side of a neighbouring property. How do I gain access to that water supply?
You will require a formal legal agreement called an Easement which documents your legal right to the passage of your water supply through the adjoining property and its connection into the existing main.
This document will also grant you appropriate rights of access on to the adjoining property to maintain the water pipe leading from your property, across your neighbour’s land to the point of connection to the existing supply and will contain specific obligations on you to make good any damage caused to the adjoining property from your accessing the pipeline.
The right in the first instance may only be granted in return for a payment or consideration for the grant and will also include an obligation on your part to contribute to the ongoing costs of maintaining and repairing that part of the water supply.
It is essential you negotiate any such Easement before purchasing the plot – otherwise the adjoining owner could hold you to ransom over the rights to cross his land.
* Emyr Pierce is Managing Partner of Emyr Pierce Solicitors in Rhiwbina, Cardiff, Western Mail Conveyancer of the Year, specialising in Domestic and Commercial Property. Contact www.emyrpierce.co.uk or email law@emyrpierce.co.uk