Structure, basements & ground
A desktop review of ground conditions and geotechnical risks to inform design and any ground investigation.
A geotechnical desk study is the first step in understanding ground conditions. It is useful before buying a site, when designing foundations or basements, and when a council or lender asks for evidence on ground stability.
Published geology, historical maps, borehole records and site information are reviewed to build an initial picture of the ground and the hazards that could affect the proposal.
You receive a desk study report with a clear summary of geotechnical risks and a recommended scope for any intrusive investigation. Purchased data reports and site work are confirmed separately.
Site address, site boundary and outline proposals.
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.
Current use, past uses and historical mapping.
Published geology, made ground and expected strata.
Groundwater conditions and their relevance to design.
Shrinkable clay, trees, slopes, voids and other hazards.
Likely foundation solutions and construction considerations.
Scope of intrusive investigation, if required.
Key geotechnical risks and next steps.
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 enquiryNo. A geotechnical desk study concerns the ground's engineering behaviour. Contamination is assessed in a Phase 1 contaminated land study; the two can be combined where both are needed.
Site address, site boundary and outline proposals.
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.