Shared septic tanks are common in rural Cheshire, but they can cause problems when one property wants its own system. In July 2026 a homeowner in Cheshire East asked us to separate their property from a septic tank that originally served three homes and install a private system.
Here is how the job went, including the planning issue that added a step.
The project
The property shared a septic tank with two neighbours. The client wanted their own septic tank and drainage field, fully independent of the shared system.
Step 1: Site visit and survey
After a site visit we submitted a schedule of work with two parts.
CCTV drainage survey. This confirmed:
where the drainage runs
whether surface water and foul water were properly segregated
the pipe levels across the site
Porosity testing. We carried out a porosity test in the area set aside for the drainage field, in line with Building Regulations Part H2. The result tells us whether the ground can absorb treated effluent, and how much ground the drainage field needs.
Step 2: Sizing and quotation
We used the survey and porosity results to calculate:
the size of septic tank required
the linear metres of drainage field to install
We then submitted a quotation, which the client accepted.
Step 3: The planning issue
The property had no sewage system within its own boundary. Because of this, Cheshire East required full planning permission, not just Building Regulations approval.
This is easy to miss. If your property has no foul drainage within its boundary, check the planning position with your local authority before work is priced or programmed. Full planning approval was granted and the job went ahead.
Step 4: Installation
5 October 2026: installation started
6 October: the Graf septic tank and poly bed drainage system were delivered to site
Wednesday 14 October: work completed
Cheshire East Building Control inspected and passed the installation. We left the site clean and tidy and gave the client all the documentation.
Planning to separate from a shared septic tank?
A shared system can be separated, but the survey, ground testing and planning position all need checking first. We handle the whole process, from CCTV survey and porosity testing to sizing, installation and sign-off.
Call 01270 442442 or email info@envirocareom.com to arrange a site visit.
