Structure, basements & ground

Ground Movement and Damage Assessments

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.

How our planning consultancy process works

ILLUSTRATIVE REPORT PREVIEW

Ground Movement Assessment

Front cover and contents page examples. The document structure is tailored to your instruction, site and relevant planning requirements.

Ground Movement Assessment illustrative front cover
Front cover
Ground Movement Assessment illustrative contents page
Contents 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.

  1. Document control & executive summary

    Project details, reference, revision, date, author, reviewer and a concise summary of the key findings.

  2. Proposal & excavation

    The excavation, foundations and construction method assessed.

  3. Ground model

    Ground and groundwater conditions used in the assessment.

  4. Method of assessment

    The prediction method, published guidance and assumptions.

  5. Predicted movements

    Vertical and horizontal movements from installation and excavation.

  6. Neighbouring buildings

    The buildings and infrastructure within the zone of influence.

  7. Damage category assessment

    The predicted damage category for each affected structure.

  8. Mitigation & monitoring

    Measures to reduce movement and the monitoring proposed.

  9. Conclusions

    Whether predicted effects are acceptable for the decision-maker.

  10. Appendices & evidence register

    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

Ground movement assessments FAQs

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.

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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.

Call 020 8004 4464 or email info@greencodeconsultants.com.

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