mister

Hi Master of None. Sure, if it's a problem then the well could remain unused and covered-in, but if there's a possibility that it could be utilised, then why not? It would make a nice feature in the garden, and more importantly, with the price of water rising, and a big garden to maintain, it makes sense to use a free water supply.

Thanks for the extra information. Much appreciated. ( The latter option definitely appeals! ). With regards to the certificate of conformity. If one is issued, subject to ventilation being completed through the roof, and later an attestation is returned confirming that this work has been done, do the authorities take you at your word and then issue a full certificate of conformity or are they likely to want to see the ventilation work first? Finally, if full conformity is reserved until the ventilation work is completed, is there any time frame on how long the certificate of conformity can be held in this 'reserved' status? Although the tank / filter has been fitted, lots more work needs to be done before a toilet can be installed - so I am just curious as to time frames involved. Something else that has just occured to me.....is it necessary to have a functioning toilet connected to the septique tank in order for the system to be tested and obtain a full certificate of conformity? Apologies for all the questions!!!!       

Dave&Olive, thanks for clarifying that - much appreciated. I understand that, by law, all fosse septiques have to be inspected every few years. As this system was only fitted this year, should an inspection occur no sooner than 4 years time?  I am abit unclear on this part of the regulations. Thanks for any further advice.

Sydney and Huggy, thanks for the reply - it's encouraging to hear that. At first I thought it was going to be a major, major headache but from the replies so far it seems that it's something that can be worked around. Fingers crossed. Just a couple of questions.....have the authorities placed any conditions on your use of the well? Presumably they weren't aware of its existence when they approved your application for the new fosse?

Hi Dave, yes, the filter system ( of sand and gravel ) was lined with plastic sheeting before being filled. So you think that will be okay? Do you have any experience of a similar situation?

Hard to be exact, because I've not seen it, but I believe it could be as near as 2 to 3 meters from the filter bed. However, the hole / 'well' lies 'upstream' of the filter bed - there is a natural fall to the land and the household water exits at the other of the filter bed, ie: away from the well.

I am aware that a new fosse septique cannot be situated within 35m of a water source - however what would happen if, after installing the tank / filter system etc, you subsequently discovered an underground water source or a covered-in well etc within that proximity? Obviously you could keep this matter to yourself, and the authorities would be none the wiser, but if you wanted to make a feature of a well and use it ( for watering the garden say ) its existence would become apparent during one of the 4 yearly inspections! Bit of a dilemma! Doe anyone have experience or know how the authorities might react to such a belated discovery? Would they be happy for the water source and septique tank to remain where they are / in use or could they insist that the tank was moved? In that event could you simply agree to forego use of the well to keep the tank in its current position? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Hi again. Just a quick update for all those who replied to my original posting, and anyone else who's been following this thread. The number requested by my Bank ( the numero d’identification fiscal ) was indeed my UK National Insurance Number. According to Banque Populaire, it is a new obligation for them to request this information depending on the year you opened your bank account ( in my case 2006 ). Hopefully that clears this up for anyone else having to complete the “Declaration Sur L’Honneur De Non-Residence”. Thanks again for all those who took the time to offer advice - much appreciated.

Tenniswitch & Pads, Thanks for the replies. On the surface the letter and form look genuine - and as you've also received something similar in the past, it seems to be a reasonably common practice. But I'll certainly tread carefully. Thanks again for taking the time and trouble to reply.  

Pads, hi and thaks for your reply. As far as I can tell it seems a genuine letter - it has the Bank's logo on it and look's legit, but you never know, especially when ID is asked for. Thanks for the warning, it's something to consider. I'd imagine if the letter's legit then lots of other UK residence, which French holiday homes, would've have received something similar from their Banks - so it would be reassuring to hear from anyone else who's received the same request from information

Thanks for everyones help - I am extremely grateful.

Cat. Ok, just dug out a copy of my Taxes Foncieres, and, as you suggested ( in the top right hand corner ) there is the 'Numero Fiscal'. Voila! It's so much easier when you know where to look!!! Sorry for being so wet behind the ears! Hopefully that is the reference number my bank requires. My wife has received exactly the same request for information as me, but our bank account, and all other payments / accounts etc, are jointly held - so presumably this same numero fiscal would apply to her as well?  

Cat, Thanks for that. I'll check through my paperwork and see if I can find any numbers.  

That's the bit that's most confusing! With regards to providing documents / evidence. The accompanying letter says ( when referring to the form ): "Ce document est a completer et a nous renvoyer, accompagne d’une copie d’une piece d’identite en cours de validite. Si vous disposez d’une piece d’identite delivree par un eteat different de celui don’t vous declarez – resident fiscal – vous devez nous transmettre une attestation de domicile fiscal du pays don’t vous vous  declarez resident, sinon vous serez considere comme resident du pays qui vous a deliver votre piece d’identite". This would seem to suggest that proof of identifiction must also be sent ( maybe a copy of my passport? ) - or perhaps I've just misread this part. I am always reluctant to send anything like ID ( even as a photocopy ) through the post.

Clair & Groslard Thanks for providing those answers - much appreciated. As far as I know I don't have a NIF ( numero d'identification fiscal ). I am wondering if they require the UK equivalent, so they can check that I am paying tax in the UK? If so - would that be my National Insurance number?