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...

21. May 2024

Any site investigation should always start with a Phase 1 Environmental and Geotechnical Desk Study Report. This is a preliminary assessment that evaluates potential environmental and geotechnical risks associated with a site. It involves a comprehensive review of existing information, including historical land use, geological maps, and previous investigations. The report aims to identify any contamination, stability issues, or other hazards that could impact development. Key components include...

16. May 2024

We recently provided a presentation to a valued client on a range of topics for their staff and graduate training programme. We enjoy reaching out to our colleagues across the industry, and if you think a short lunchtime CPD talk or seminar would be beneficial to your team, please let us know and we would be happy to visit. Our telephone number is 01280 816409 or drop us an email on info@geo-integrity.co.uk

08. May 2024

Before any construction project begins, conducting a thorough site investigation is paramount. This crucial step ensures that the construction process is safe, efficient, and cost-effective. Firstly, a site investigation helps identify potential hazards such as unstable soil conditions, or environmental concerns like contamination. Understanding these risks beforehand allows engineers and architects to design appropriate measures for mitigating them, ensuring end -user and worker safety and...

26. March 2024

Following on from our article in February we know learn that the UK government is looking to alter national planning policy with regards to brownfield land development. Their consultation on strengthening planning policy for brownfield land development marks a pivotal opportunity to address critical issues surrounding urban regeneration, housing affordability, and environmental sustainability in the UK. Brownfield sites, characterized by their previous industrial or commercial use, hold immense...

18. March 2024

We recently undertook a ground investigation on an interesting site in the city of Oxford. At first glance, it appeared that the site would involve a straight forward investigation for the redevelopment from a commercial land use to a residential land use. However, when undertaking the Phase 1 Desk study, it was revealed that this would not be the case. The site is recorded to be situated on the Oxford Clay Formation and the West Walton Formation, and historical maps showed the site was...

08. February 2024

A brownfield site is defined as land which has experienced previous development, however is no longer being used. The opposite of brownfield is greenfield which is defined as land which has never experienced development. The Government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) promotes the “effective use of land” making “as much use as possible of previously developed or ‘brownfield’ land”. This is attracting many developments on brownfield land as local authorities are...

02. February 2024

There are now more than 61,000 charge point connectors across the UK in over 22,000 locations - that's more public places to charge than petrol stations! Geotechnical investigations are crucial for the successful installation of electrical vehicle (EV) charging points. These studies assess soil composition, stability, and bearing capacity, ensuring a solid foundation for infrastructure. The investigations determine factors like soil type, moisture content, and geological conditions, influencing...