The sectors we work in

A phase 1 desk study is the first stage of a project. It involves obtaining and reviewing all available information for a site including geological data, historical mapping and ariel imagery, mining records and landfill data. The information is compiled into a single report, with recommendations based on the identified risks. A site walkover may be included within the Phase 1 stage of a project.

A Preliminary Risk Assessment (PRA) identifies potential contamination sources, pathways and receptors. Using this information, a Conceptual Site Model (CSM) is produced and associated risks are evaluated to determine whether further investigation is required.

At Ground Projects we have significant experience in producing Phase 1 Desk Studies and Preliminary Risk Assessments, providing practical recommendations on the need for any subsequent intrusive investigations.

Although not every development requires one, many Local Planning Authorities request a Phase 2 ground investigation report through planning conditions. These investigations are used to assess risks such as land contamination and ground stability, helping to ensure that a site is suitable for its proposed use.

Understanding your sites ground conditions early helps ensure developments are safe, suitable, and cost-effective, while also helping engineers design the most appropriate foundations.

At Ground Projects, we regularly prepare geotechnical and contaminated land reports to support planning applications. We work closely with our clients to assess ground conditions and identify any potential risks early, helping ensure that sites are properly understood and suitable for their proposed development.

The time to receive a ground investigation report can vary depending on the size of the site, the scope of the investigation, and the type and quantity of laboratory testing required, as well as any monitoring requirements. Once the site works are complete and samples have been submitted for laboratory testing, typical turnaround times for results are usually between two and four weeks.

At Ground Projects, we aim to issue our reports within two weeks of receiving all borehole logs and laboratory results. Where project programmes are particularly tight, we can also offer expedited reporting to help meet client deadlines.

A remediation strategy is a report that sets out how any contamination identified on a site will be managed or addressed so that the land is suitable for its proposed use. It is commonly required as part of planning conditions where a site has been identified as having the potential for contamination.
In many cases, the risks identified may be relatively minor and can be addressed through straightforward measures.

At Ground Projects, we have extensive experience preparing remediation strategies for sites across the UK. We work closely with local authorities, developers and planners to ensure that remediation proposals are aligned with planning requirements, helping projects progress smoothly through the planning and construction stages.

A Coal Mining Risk Assessment (CMRA) is a report that assess whether historical coal mining activity could affect the stability of a proposed development.

Planning authorities often request a CMRA when a site is located within a Coal Authority Development High Risk Area, which covers many parts of the UK where coal mining took place in the past, particularly across the North of England, the Midlands and South Wales.

The assessment usually begins as a desk-based study, reviewing information from the Coal Authority and historical mining records to understand the mining history of the site and surrounding area. This helps identify whether historic mining features could present a risk of ground instability or subsidence that may need further investigation.

At Ground Projects, our experienced team regularly prepares Coal Mining Risk Assessments, helping clients understand and manage mining-related risks associated with their site. Where further investigation is required, we can advise on and coordinate intrusive investigations or drilling to confirm ground conditions. With extensive experience working on sites across former coal mining areas, we help make the process clear and straightforward for our clients.

A basement impact assessment (BIA) is a report that assesses the potential effects of constructing a basement on the surrounding land, groundwater and surface water conditions.

These are commonly required for basement developments in London, with each borough having their own individual guidance and requirements for the assessment.

The initial assessment will be desk-based and review all available information about the site and the surrounding area. Should any potential risks be identified to surrounding receptors (i.e rivers, buildings, underground infrastructure), further investigation through an intrusive ground investigation to assess these risks may be required.

At Ground Projects, we have extensive experience successfully producing BIAs to discharge planning conditions in all London Boroughs. Our team are familiar with the different local planning policies and guidance that each borough applies to basement developments, allowing us to tailor our assessments to meet the specific requirements of your project.

The cost of a ground investigation can vary significantly depending on the scope of the project, the size of the site, the type of investigation to name a few.
For single residential plots, a simple ground investigation to discharge planning conditions would typically be in the region of £3000-£6000, comprising of a few shallow boreholes or trial pits with associated lab testing.

For larger commercial or residential schemes, more extensive investigation is often required. However, this may not necessarily result in a significant increase in cost, as techniques such as Cone Penetration tests can be adopted which provides an efficient way of obtaining lots of useful ground information rapidly.

At Ground Projects, we take a practical approach to designing ground investigations, which are proportionate to the scale of the development and the potential ground risks, helping ensure the right information is obtained to support planning and design efficiently.

A typical ground investigation takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The duration depends on a number of factors such as, the size of the site, access constraints, the intrusive techniques used and the extent of geoenvironmental and geotechnical laboratory testing scheduled.

Reporting time then varies according to the volume of data collected and the level of interpretive assessment included in the scope. At Ground Projects, we aim to issue our reports within two weeks of receiving all borehole logs and laboratory results. Where project programmes are particularly tight, we can also offer expedited reporting to help meet client deadlines.

A ground investigation is conducted to characterise the soil, ground gas and groundwater conditions at a site. It provides the information needed to understand ground conditions, assess risks and design safe, cost effective ground solutions. Without it, significant uncertainties remain. This includes increased likelihood of delays, unexpected costs and elevated project risks.

It is almost always necessary to complete a ground investigation prior to construction. At Ground Projects, we can assist with a Phase 1 Desk Study which can assess whether an intrusive ground investigation is required for your project.

Yes, you’re welcome to discuss the project with us after its completed. We’re always happy to talk through our report, calculations or recommendations to provide any clarification you may need.

Our aim is to make sure every client is satisfied and fully understands the next stages of their project.