What is a soakaway? A soakaway is a buried drainage feature which seeks to manage surface water on the site and infiltrate into the ground, rather than discharging to an offsite location such as a watercourse or sewer. A soakaway requires excavation and removal of the existing ground, which is…
Read more…A phase 1 desk study forms part of a contaminated land risk assessment. The study aims to provide a qualitative assessment of the risks to end-users and the surrounding environment from any contamination which might be present on or in close proximity to the site. The phase 1 desk report uses…
Read more…What is a sequential test? A sequential test is carried out to ensure development is sited on land that has the lowest risk of flooding within the Local Council area. For example, available sites in Flood Zone 1 should be considered above those sites in Flood Zone 2. When is a sequential test…
Read more…Is a SuDS assessment compulsory? In certain situations, a Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) assessment is a compulsory requirement. In England, from the 6th April 2015, it became compulsory for SuDS to be considered in planning applications for major developments. In Wales, it is now a…
Read more…Join our RIBA Approved CPD webinar: ‘Environmental Information for Masterplanning’ 23rd October 2019, 12:00pm-1:00pm. Who should sign up Property developers, planners, architects – anyone involved in the process of property transactions, management and development. What will be…
Read more…Permitted development rights (PDRs) are rights to make certain changes to a building without the need to apply for planning permission. Before some PDRs can be used, the developer must first obtain “prior approval” in relation to specified aspects of the development from the Local Planning…
Read more…England’s water companies have signed up to a number of pledges, including tripling the rate of leakage reduction across the sector by 2030. The new Public Interest Commitment has been created by the water industry following engagement with customers. It showed that the public want companies…
Read more…GeoSmart is delighted to announce the launch of its enhanced Knowledge Hub – an essential FREE resource that provides architects and planning consultants with a comprehensive library of guidance, case studies and papers to help with their clients’ development projects. Understanding the…
Read more…Developers and their architect/planning consultant partners can use SuDS to engage multiple stakeholders and to support the business case to partnership fund SuDS delivery and maintenance. Understanding which sites derive the greatest cost benefit is critical to developers so that their inclusion…
Read more…Urban Authorities are increasingly looking at the role of Natural Capital Investment Plan to mobilise existing and new sources of funding. At the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Green Summit, this was seen as a key priority to promote investment and delivery of opportunities that protect and enhance…
Read more…