Prediction of ground movement from excavation or foundations and the likely effects on neighbouring buildings.
When this service may be useful
Where a basement or deep excavation is proposed close to other buildings, councils expect the likely ground movement and its effect on neighbours to be predicted. The assessment is often part of, or supports, a basement impact assessment.
How the work is approached
Movements are estimated using recognised methods and the available ground data, then compared with the sensitivity of each adjoining building to give a predicted damage category. Mitigation and monitoring measures are identified where needed.
What you receive
You receive a report setting out the method, predicted movements and damage categories, with clear assumptions and limitations. Detailed numerical modelling is quoted separately where the site warrants it.
What we need to start
Proposed drawings, ground investigation data and details of adjoining 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.
Front cover and contents page examples. The document structure is tailored to your instruction, site and relevant planning requirements.
Front coverContents page
What the report should contain
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.
Document control & executive summary
Project details, reference, revision, date, author, reviewer and a concise summary of the key findings.
Proposal & excavation
The excavation, foundations and construction method assessed.
Ground model
Ground and groundwater conditions used in the assessment.
Method of assessment
The prediction method, published guidance and assumptions.
Predicted movements
Vertical and horizontal movements from installation and excavation.
Neighbouring buildings
The buildings and infrastructure within the zone of influence.
Damage category assessment
The predicted damage category for each affected structure.
Mitigation & monitoring
Measures to reduce movement and the monitoring proposed.
Conclusions
Whether predicted effects are acceptable for the decision-maker.
Appendices & evidence register
Index relevant plans, photographs, calculations, surveys and source documents; include only the evidence relevant to this instruction.
What if the predicted damage category is too high?
The report identifies design or construction changes that reduce movement, such as stiffer support or a revised sequence, so that the design team can consider them before submission.
What information should I provide to get started?
Proposed drawings, ground investigation data and details of adjoining buildings.
How is the fee for this service confirmed?
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.
How do your specialists work together on a project?
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
Your specialist evidence, connected.
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
Discuss your requirements.
Tell us about the site, what you want to achieve and any deadline. We will review it and suggest an appropriate next step.