16. June 2026
In areas underlain by salt-bearing geology, understanding the potential risks associated with halite dissolution is a critical part of the development process. Whether a project involves residential, commercial, industrial or infrastructure development, a comprehensive Halite Risk Assessment can provide developers, planners and stakeholders with the confidence needed to make informed decisions. At Geo-Integrity, we have extensive experience assessing the complex ground conditions associated...
10. March 2026
A site investigation was recently undertaken for a good client on land underlain by the South Wales Coal Measures to assess the potential presence of historic shallow mine workings, specifically bell pits, and to identify any associated voided or unstable ground within coal seams; following a previous investigation which found thick coal seams and minor evidence of workings on site. The investigation was required to inform future development and ensure that any risks related to historical coal...
02. December 2025
Here at Geo-Integrity we regularly get involved in the development of sites where historic landfills have been either on the site or immediately adjacent to the site. In the UK, legal responsibility for controlling development on historic landfill sites is shared between several bodies, depending on the issue and the stage of development. The main responsibilities usually sit with the following: 1. Local Planning Authority (LPA) Your local council (district, borough or unitary authority) is the...
04. November 2025
On many development sites, historic soil bunds are often left on the perimeter with no clear records of their provenance. Before any re-use plan is confirmed a structured investigation into the bund material is essential. This is not simply a geotechnical exercise; it has environmental, regulatory and cost implications.
29. November 2024
The Environment Agency is consulting on updated charges for waste management and regulatory activities, aiming to enhance efforts to combat waste crime and improve fairness. Proposals include a new waste levy (10% of certain permit charges) to combat waste crime and additional fees for waste exemptions, offering savings for farmers and bulk registrations. A new intervention fee will apply if breaches of regulations are suspected, while some hourly rates for environmental services will rise....
16. August 2024
When planning a cemetery or cemetery extension in the UK, groundwater investigation is crucial due to environmental, health, and regulatory concerns. Cemeteries can have a significant impact on local water resources, as the decomposition of human remains can release pollutants, including bacteria, viruses, and chemicals, into the soil. As such, some cemeteries must have an environmental permit. However, there are a series of conditions that new cemetery developments, or new extensions to a...
02. August 2024
Sinkholes, both man-made and naturally occurring, are dramatic and often dangerous geological phenomena that result from the collapse of the ground surface into voids below. Understanding their causes and methods for investigating them is crucial for mitigating their risks. Naturally occurring sinkholes primarily form in regions with soluble bedrock, such as limestone, chalk, gypsum, or salt. These sinkholes develop through a process called dissolution, where acidic or fresh groundwater...
09. July 2024
Introduction The concept of the “grey belt” has gained attention recently as part of discussions around housing development and land use. In this blog post, we’ll explore what the grey belt is, its significance, and considerations for developers interested in building on such land. What Is the Grey Belt? The grey belt refers to areas within the green belt that are considered “poor-quality and ugly.” These areas may include disused car parks, wasteland, and other neglected spaces. The...
27. June 2024
We attended an out-reach session at Worcester Sixth Form College yesterday for Geology, Geography and Environmental Science 'A' level students from Stourbridge, Worcester, Ross-on-Wye and Hereford. We chatted to students from the four different groups over the day (as well as their teachers) about geotechnical and geoenvironmental site investigation and how our careers have progressed over time. We feel that practicing engineering geologists connecting with A-level students for career advice is...
23. May 2024
New changes to Permitted Development Rights for Agricultural buildings came into action this month covering Class Q and Class R developments on certain farms. Class Q and Class R permitted development rights, introduced under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, streamline the repurposing of agricultural buildings, enhancing rural development without full planning applications. Class Q allows the conversion of agricultural buildings to residential...