There are a number of alarming factors and issues that residents are often unaware of when living in an un-adopted site. Below are just a sample of the concerning issues that should serve as a huge motivator for residents campaigns and demonstrate the exposure that residents are often unaware of when inhabiting an housing estate where the infrastructure (roads, sewers, Public open space) are not adopted.
The Negativities and Risks Of Living On An Unadopted Site
- Unmaintained street lighting so the council will not repair the lighting.
- Dirty highways with debris and stones in the carriageway and in the channels.
- Your gullies will not be being cleaned and may be full of debris which may cause rats.
- Regular Health & Safety inspections will not be being undertaken to ensure the site is safe.
- The value of a property can be negatively affected if a house is situated on a site that is not adopted.
- Legal complications and increased associated solicitors' costs can be experienced when dealing with the sale of a property on an unadopted site.
- Complications can be caused when looking at mortgage approvals.
- Unadopted sewers can cause bad smells and hygiene issues (Cross connections, poorly laid pipe, etc).
- If the developer doesn’t get the site adopted the Local Authority in the future can serve notice on the residents of a scheme whom are accountable and required to pay for any required works.
- You property may technically not have planning permission if adoption the sewers and highway was a stated planning condition
- Car insurance claims can sometimes be questioned if an accident has occurred on a private road (ie not adopted)
- If a developer does not achieve adoption further down the line the roads could be sold to a management company who would begin charging the residents on the site for its management.
There are a whole host of additional issues that we are able to advise and comment on should you have any specific queries.
You are not receiving any reduction in your council tax or sewer discharge / water rates even though your roads and sewers are not adopted or being maintained by your council!
