Forum Discussion

Mattyboy117's avatar
Mattyboy117
Joining in
2 years ago

Manhole Cover - Dropped Kerb

Hello, I haven't got WhatsApp so I'll try this forum.

I am currently in the process of getting a dropped kerb installed for a driveway. I believe I have a Virgin Media manhole on the pavement where the dropped kerb is to be installed. The manhole cover has CAT V written on it.
So far I have obtain planning permission from the council but there are conditions, one of them being to contact the appropriate utility services to reach an agreement on the necessary alterations. The manhole will need to be adjusted to suit the slope in the pavement. I'm not sure who to contact, I've looked on this forum and have seen other people in the same position as me having difficulties getting in touch with the right people.
I think I may need one of your assessors to have a look. I'm guessing the council will also need written permission to allow the top of manhole to be altered for vehicular access for the parking space. I have someone who can work on pavements and is happy to alter the manhole to suit the dropped kerb if that's possible.

 

Any info will be appreciated.

Thanks, Mat.

  • jpeg1's avatar
    jpeg1
    Alessandro Volta
    2 years ago

    It would help the relevant staff to respond if you posted a photo of the manhole, as there are several different types. 

    Virginmedia would require their own contractors to do the work. 

  • David_Bn's avatar
    David_Bn
    Forum Team
    2 years ago

    Thanks for your post on our Community Forums Mattyboy117, and a very warm welcome to you!

    I'd be happy to see what we can do to help assist with this request, check out the purple envelope in the top right hand corner for a private message from me.

    Kindest regards,

    David_Bn

  • David_Bn's avatar
    David_Bn
    Forum Team
    2 years ago

    Thanks for coming back to me via our private messaging function Mattyboy117. 

    I'll forward your details to the relevant team/department to have a member of our team get in touch with you as soon as possible.

    Kindest regards,

    David_Bn

    • Mattyboy117's avatar
      Mattyboy117
      Joining in
      2 years ago

      Thanks for passing on the message.

      I couldn't find much information about this topic so hopefully this will help others. Below is my update to anyone else that is in a similar position.

       

      You might as well contact [REMOVED]@virginmedia.co.uk directly by email. They soon sent me a letter by email after David_Bn got in touch. Here is the main message of the letter:

      If you have not already done so then we will require detailed plans for your site/works so our planning team can work from them to produce a detailed estimate of costs. We would also require a rough idea of when your works are due to begin.

       

      If applicable please remember to include details about access to your site during construction.  This may affect our network prior to commencement of works.

       

      Prior to any works involving Virgin Media apparatus commencing we must agree a specification of works and provide a detailed estimate of costs.  The costs incurred in producing the specification and detailed estimate are chargeable and for this scheme are Cost of Prep Fee £240 Inc VAT

       

      Both the estimate and specification will be sent to you within 25 working days of when payment was received.

       

                      Please note:  This charge applies to each individual scheme requested.

       

       This initial payment will cover the following: -

       

      • Detailed site visit by an experienced planning engineer and their time taken producing the estimate.
      • Detailed specification of works.
      • Detailed breakdown of costs.

      ...So now I think I will continue with the pre application with the local council to get a date and hopefully detailed plans. Once I have these I will contact divworks again and pay the cost of prep fee. 

       

      • Sharp1990's avatar
        Sharp1990
        Joining in
        2 years ago

        Hi Matty,

        I have recently been approved for a drop kerb, our original plan was to miss the CATV cover but due to some constraints applied by the council we now need to get it strengthened or moved. 

        I was wondering if Virgin gave you a quote for the work and if you would mind giving me a rough idea of how much it was? no problem if now, i was just hoping to have an idea of the final cost.

        Cheers

  • ahojrian's avatar
    ahojrian
    Settling in
    11 months ago

    Hi, Virgin Media places a Big grey box right outside of my house, obstructing construction for a driveway. Now they’re asking for us to pay to get rid of it! Even though it was placed without permission or regard. The diversionary team are awful and are not responding to any emails or calls. My question is why should we pay for your nuisance outside my property and obstructing the homeowners of enjoyment to our property. 

  • jpeg1's avatar
    jpeg1
    Alessandro Volta
    11 months ago

    If they placed the box on your property without your permission that was wrong and they must remove it. 

    If they placed in on the public pavement they should have asked permission from the Council. Have you checked with the Council?

    Can you post a photo? 

    • ahojrian's avatar
      ahojrian
      Settling in
      11 months ago

      Hi, That’s what I was thinking too. I have yet to ask the council whether permission was asked. But it’s such a nuisance, I have not seen one of these outside anyone else’s house apart from mine. It’s causing such a delay to creating a driveway and selling our house. On top of that, there’s really awful writing written on it too

       

      • jpeg1's avatar
        jpeg1
        Alessandro Volta
        11 months ago

        The Council should have checked for any obstruction before giving permission. If you had already asked them for a dropped kerb they should have told VM to put it somewhere else.

        Otherwise they will agree because broadband services are a national priority and they must have connection points.