Phase 1 – Desk Study and Preliminary Risk Assessment

Ground Projects provides Phase 1 Desk Studies and Preliminary Risk Assessments to support early-stage planning and development decisions for architects, developers, structural engineers, and other project stakeholders.

Our Phase 1 reports are clear, concise, and risk-focused, helping clients quickly understand site constraints and key ground-related risks. By identifying potential risks early, we help reduce uncertainty, support confident decision-making, and avoid unnecessary delays as projects move forward.

The outcomes from our reports will help define the next steps for your site — whether advancing a planning application, discharging planning conditions, or setting the scope for further investigation. We consistently support clients throughout the full project lifecycle, from initial feasibility and planning through to ground investigation, design and construction.

We support clients by delivering:
Focused Preliminary Risk Assessment to support early planning decisions
Development of a site-specific conceptual site model (CSM)
Identification of geotechnical and geo-environmental risks
Proportionate recommendations to inform planning, further investigation, or mitigation
High-quality reporting to inform planning and design

Phase 2 – Ground Investigation

Ground Projects delivers Phase 2 Ground Investigations to support planning, design, and construction across a broad range of sectors. Investigations are designed to address the risks identified during the Phase 1 Desk Study and are tailored to the scale, complexity, and objectives of each project to provide a cost-effective solution for our clients.

Our services include the design, specification, and supervision of intrusive ground investigations. Our approach and design of ground investigations is aligned with recognised industry best practice and is underpinned by our direct involvement in the authorship of “CIRIA C773: A guide to small brownfield sites and land contamination”, demonstrating our expertise in the investigation and assessment of brownfield sites.

Following completion of the ground investigation, our interpretative reporting provides project teams with a clear and robust understanding of ground conditions to support planning, detailed design, and construction decision-making.

We support clients by delivering:
Bespoke investigation design aligned with project risks and objectives
Management and coordination of ground investigations on behalf of the client
Liaison with contractors, laboratories, and project teams
High-quality interpretative reporting to inform planning and design
Technical support to planners, designers, and regulators throughout the project lifecycle

Phase 3 – Remediation Options Appraisal

At Ground Projects, our team delivers a clear, risk-based remediation options appraisal in line with Land Contamination Risk Management (LCRM) guidance, helping clients move forward confidently with their projects.

We develop a targeted shortlist of feasible, site-specific remediation options, aligned with remediation objectives and regulatory requirements. Each option is carefully assessed to demonstrate how risks can be reduced to acceptable levels.

Our focus is on practical, buildable, and verifiable solutions that integrate smoothly with design and construction, supporting efficient delivery and long-term compliance.

We support clients by delivering:
Review of site data and refined conceptual site model
Targeted identification of feasible remediation options
Clear options appraisal considering risk, cost, and programme
Assessment of planning and regulatory compliance
Practical selection of preferred remediation option(s)

Phase 4 – Remediation Strategy and Verification

At Ground Projects, we develop and deliver robust remediation strategies and verification services in line with Land Contamination Risk Management (LCRM), ensuring ground risks are effectively managed through design, construction, and completion.

Building on the agreed remediation options, we prepare clear, proportionate remediation strategies and support their implementation on site. We have extensive experience delivering and verifying remediation works on large-scale residential and commercial developments across the UK, working closely with developers, contractors, and regulators to support efficient delivery and discharge of planning conditions.

The outcome is a clear remediation strategy and verification report, providing confidence that the site is suitable for its intended use and meets regulatory requirements.

We support clients by delivering:
Remediation strategies and method statements
Material Management Plans (MMPs)
On-site support and supervision during remediation works
Gas protection membrane inspection and validation
Cover system validation
Verification Reports for planning condition discharge