All Topics / Help Needed! / problem with land developer
Hi all, I recently bought a block of land which settled in January. currently I am waiting for the building approval.
Few weeks ago the area development manager contacted me informing that they need to install a drainage pipe in the Lot which was not mentioned in the plan when we settled.
The developer emailed me this morning informing that their contractor already installed a solid 100mm diameter pipe parallel to the boundary of Lot that is offset 500mm from the boundary and at a depth of 400mm. This connects the aggi drain from behind the wall to the drainage immediately under the kerb in the street at the front of Lot.
They have done this without taking my approval and without any notification.
The builder now advised that they will note these on a Post Contract variation to ensure the Site Manager is aware of it and they will have standard clauses about damage to this pipe.
What options do I have in this situation. I am seriously upset as they accessed and did this without our approval.
It could be tresspassing.
Was there an easement recorded?
What did your solicitor say?
Terryw | Structuring Lawyers Pty Ltd / Loan Structuring Pty Ltd
http://www.Structuring.com.au
Email MeLawyer, Mortgage Broker and Tax Advisor (Sydney based but advising Aust wide) http://www.Structuring.com.au
They called me asking for approval installing the pipe and next day they emailed me and the building informing that the pipe has installed. I didn’t approve it and no easement recorded.
Solicitor is going to review the contract to see if there is any clause that the developer can do this after handover. He is thinking it’s tresspassing.
You could probably try for some form of compensation. But legals could be costly if it goes to court.
Terryw | Structuring Lawyers Pty Ltd / Loan Structuring Pty Ltd
http://www.Structuring.com.au
Email MeLawyer, Mortgage Broker and Tax Advisor (Sydney based but advising Aust wide) http://www.Structuring.com.au
Thanks Terry.
This is what I am going to email developer:
The developer didn’t mentioned about the drainage pipe before or during the settlement and was not mentioned in the survey plan or in any drawing that were given to us.
Developer contractor installed the drainage pipe after settlement without my approval.I will agree on running the pipe through the southern side boundary of Lot xxx if the developer agrees the following condition:
1. If the pipe get damaged during construction developer will fix it at their expense or deal with the builder directly as required to fix it. We will not get involve fixing the pipe either with developer or builder.
2. Developer will pay any variation of cost raised by builder prior to or during construction due to installation of the drainage pipe.
3. Developer will be responsible for any future leakage or damage of the drainage pipe due to water flow or water log during excessive raining. If the leakage of the water cause damage to the foundation of the building, developer will rectify the damage of the building at their own expense.
4. If there is a delay starting construction due to drainage pipe (eg. need to lodge application to build over/ near storm water pipe), the developer will cover additional fees and reimburse me my rental payment for that period of time.If the above conditions are not met, I would advise to remove the drainage pipe from Lot and put the soil back on as it was before.
What do you think?
I don't want to give you legal advice as I know nothing about easements. Run it by your solicitor.
With regards to 3 the developer would just be a company which will cease to exist once this project is completed. So this is unlikely to be effective even if they agree.
Terryw | Structuring Lawyers Pty Ltd / Loan Structuring Pty Ltd
http://www.Structuring.com.au
Email MeLawyer, Mortgage Broker and Tax Advisor (Sydney based but advising Aust wide) http://www.Structuring.com.au
Terryw wrote:With regards to 3 the developer would just be a company which will cease to exist once this project is completed. So this is unlikely to be effective even if they agree.
Hi Terry
I got it. Can you advise the right wording or right approch? I am trying to get a positive outcome rather than getting legal advise from my solicitor.
ThanksNope. See your lawyer
Terryw | Structuring Lawyers Pty Ltd / Loan Structuring Pty Ltd
http://www.Structuring.com.au
Email MeLawyer, Mortgage Broker and Tax Advisor (Sydney based but advising Aust wide) http://www.Structuring.com.au
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