Structure, basements & ground
Assessment of a basement proposal's effects on ground stability, groundwater, drainage and neighbouring buildings.
Most London boroughs require a basement impact assessment for new or extended basements, and several require it to be independently audited. The assessment shows that the basement can be built without unacceptable effects on ground stability, groundwater, drainage or neighbouring buildings.
The work follows the screening, scoping and assessment stages expected by council basement guidance. Available ground and groundwater data are reviewed, ground movement and its effects on adjoining properties are estimated, and an outline construction method and monitoring approach are set out.
You receive an assessment structured to the council's requirements. Where existing data are insufficient, the assessment identifies the ground investigation needed; that investigation, any independent audit fees and monitoring during construction are separate.
Site address, existing and proposed drawings, any site investigation data and details of neighbouring buildings.
We review the site, proposal and planning stage to agree the appropriate scope. The work is carried out by a suitably qualified specialist we appoint, named in your fee proposal.
How our planning consultancy process worksILLUSTRATIVE REPORT PREVIEW
Front cover and contents page examples. The document structure is tailored to your instruction, site and relevant planning requirements.
This outline explains the purpose of each section. The final contents depend on the agreed scope, available evidence and requirements of the local planning authority.
Project details, reference, revision, date, author, reviewer and a concise summary of the key findings.
The basement proposal and the council's basement policy and guidance.
Screening against subterranean flow, slope stability and surface flow and flooding.
Matters carried forward for assessment and the information required.
Geology, groundwater, topography and site investigation findings.
Effects on groundwater flow, surface water and drainage.
Predicted movement and the likely damage category for adjoining properties.
Outline sequence, support and protection measures.
Monitoring proposals, trigger levels and mitigation measures.
A reasoned conclusion on the basement's impacts.
Index relevant plans, photographs, calculations, surveys and source documents; include only the evidence relevant to this instruction.
Read our planning supporting documents guide to explore related evidence.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Clear answers to help you plan your next step.
Still have a question?
Tell us about the site and we will confirm what is needed and what it should cost.
Make an enquirySome councils, including Camden, require an independent audit of basement impact assessments, normally at the applicant's cost. We identify whether an audit applies and respond to the auditor's queries within the agreed scope.
Site address, existing and proposed drawings, any site investigation data and details of neighbouring buildings.
The price shown is a starting estimate for the stated scope. We review the site, proposal, available information and required deliverables, then confirm the fee, exclusions and programme in a written quotation before appointment.
We bring the relevant planning consultants and specialist providers into a coordinated project team. They work from an agreed brief and current proposal, with dependencies and design changes discussed across disciplines. Each consultant remains responsible for their own professional advice and agreed deliverables.
PART OF A COORDINATED APPOINTMENT
This service can form part of a wider coordinated planning appointment. We bring the relevant consultants together to work alongside your design team, discuss assessment findings and identify how recommendations affect other reports and the proposal.
Your fee proposal confirms who prepares each document, the information it relies on and the limits of the instruction. A report provides evidence for the council’s assessment; the planning decision remains the council’s. Explore how our consultants work together or discuss the team your project needs.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Tell us about the site, what you want to achieve and any deadline. We will review it and suggest an appropriate next step.
Call 020 8004 4464 or email info@greencodeconsultants.com.