Lustre Consulting was appointed by the site owner to undertake a Phase 1 Desk Study to support the conversion of an agricultural barn to residential use under permitted development application. The proposed development involved the refurbishment of the existing main barn currently present on site, and clearance of a smaller barn/store for four proposed individual dwellings over two floors (ground and first floor) with limited private gardens.
The permitted development rights allow change of use from agricultural to residential buildings, without planning permission, as long as they are not in protected areas. Prior approval permission is required from the local council to allow consideration of strategic issues.
This site had a history of agricultural use with the main barn used for agricultural vehicle and equipment storage, and storage of a caravan, tools, and scrap metal.
In our experience, Local Authorities normally require a Desk Study with site walkover to assess the risk of any contamination related to the historical agricultural use. As part of the Phase 1 Desk Study a comprehensive conceptual model and risk assessment was provided with clear and concise recommendations helping to move the development forward including some limited soil sampling recommendations where private garden use is proposed.
How we can protect your construction site from unnecessary delays and costs. If piling is part of your construction plans, a piling risk assessment could be a vital step to avoid potential problems that could disrupt your project, including: Piling risk assessments are now explicitly referenced within the Environment Agency’s Land Contamination Risk Management Guidance […]
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A surface water soakaway is used to capture then allow the infiltration and filtration of water runoff through a subsoil to the water table below. Your soakaway should provide sufficient short-term storage of surface water and allow the surface water to percolate into the surrounding ground. The National House-Building Council (NHBC) provides detailed guidance on […]
A surface water...
Working on a construction project can come with a long ‘to do’ list. Not only that, but you have to deal with the stress of navigating planning conditions as well as numerous building regulations. Acoustic issues don’t have to further complicate this process. Could an Acoustic Assessment be a requirement for your site? Of all […]
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Contamination is not always something that can be seen; often contamination is invisible, buried below ground or is present in perfectly normal looking topsoil.
This is a question...
