Gardens and gardening

Northwards Housing's Policy on Dealing with Waterlogged Gardens

In some parts of north Manchester there are problems with waterlogged gardens. This is due to the topography of the area and affects Northwards and non-Northwards properties alike.

Although we don't have exact figures on the number of properties affected, we do know that the problem is widespread and that Northwards could not possibly afford to undertake work to address all such problems. In some locations it is likely that no work which we could undertake would address the problem, as it is due to the nature of the landscape. We have no legal obligation to carry out work to resolve waterlogged gardens where the property itself is not affected or where there is not a need to do so because there is a risk to health and safety if the problem is not resolved or alleviated. We do not generally carry out this type of work: as in the case of fencing, it is the tenants' responsibility.

We will categorise waterlogged gardens as follows:

  1. There is a risk to health and safety if the problem is not resolved or alleviated or the problem is adversely affecting the home itself
  2. Flooding is severe and there are children under 10 in the household
  3. Flooding is severe and there are no children in the household
  4. Flooding is not considered severe

Category 1 - we will undertake work to remedy or alleviate the problem.

Category 2 and 3 - we will aim to undertake work to remedy or alleviate the problem but this will be subject to sufficient funding being available and an affordable solution being able to be identified.

Category 2 - cases will be given priority over Category 3 cases, and priority within categories will be on the basis of the severity of the problem.

Category 4 - we will not undertake work to remedy or alleviate the problem

A case is deemed as severe if in the opinion of the officer carrying out the assessment all of the following apply:

  • The problem is enduring: i.e. it is not a problem which occurs only during or for a short time after periods of heavy or prolonged rainfall;
  • The problem affects the whole or greater part of the garden area relating to the property;
  • The problem results in heavy water-logging which renders the affected area inaccessible.

In each case an initial assessment will be undertaken by the Neighbourhood Service Officer. Any cases assessed as being likely to be classified as severe will be subject to a more detailed joint inspection by the Neighbourhood Service Officer and a Legal Surveyor before a final decision is made on which category applies and what if any course of action is to be recommended.

In all cases we will seek to identify the most cost-effective way to remedy or alleviate the problem. Even where we agree to carry out work, we cannot guarantee to eliminate the problem in its entirety and we may choose a solution other than drainage to provide a small area of approximately 10m2 of serviceable space within the garden such as a patio area.

Category 2 and 3 work is only available to tenants who meet the criteria for being entered into the Northwards Xtra prize draw - this includes regularly paying rent and having paid off any rent arrears.

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