The proposed residential development at Crown Lane, Wychbold comprises 128 new homes, alongside new access arrangements, public open space, sustainable drainage infrastructure and biodiversity enhancements. The 6.9-hectare site is split either side of Crown Lane, with development focused on the western parcel and the eastern parcel retained for open space and biodiversity net gain. The site is bounded by the M5 to the west and existing residential development to the south, presenting a number of technical and environmental constraints that required careful coordination across disciplines.
Since 2021, MEC has worked alongside the project team, delivering coordinated, multi-disciplinary support from initial technical appraisal through to planning, shaping the scheme and addressing key risks early in the process. Work continues as MEC has since been retained by long-standing client Bromford to provide detailed civil engineering and structural designs, supporting the delivery and construction of the development.
Starting the works, our Geomatics team carried out a detailed topographical survey of the site, capturing existing levels, features and constraints to accurately inform the development layout, drainage design and earthworks strategy. The survey data provided a robust baseline for coordinating contours across the site and supported informed decision-making from the earliest design stages.
Our Geo-Environmental team undertook a Phase I Desk Study followed by a comprehensive Phase II Ground Investigation to confirm ground conditions, contamination risk, ground gas hazards, geotechnical parameters and drainage feasibility. The investigation identified variable soils and Made Ground in isolated areas, alongside generally low contamination risks. Given the proximity to the motorway, consideration was also given to potential for contaminated surface runoff from the highway, with shallow soil testing completed along the boundary. The findings were used to inform foundation design, drainage strategy and construction methodology. Soil infiltration testing confirmed that infiltration-led drainage was not feasible across much of the site, directly influencing the surface water strategy.
The Flood Risk & Drainage team prepared a detailed Flood Risk Assessment and surface water strategy. While the site lies within Flood Zone 1, areas of surface water flood risk were identified due to low points, poor infiltration and restricted overland flow near the M5 boundary. A sustainable drainage solution was developed incorporating attenuation basins, permeable paving and filter drains, with surface water discharge controlled to greenfield runoff rates into the existing Severn Trent network. Foul drainage was designed to discharge by gravity, following detailed engagement with Severn Trent to agree the most appropriate Point of Connection and avoid the need for pumping infrastructure. The strategy was refined through multiple iterations to fully address LLFA and Severn Trent comments.
Our Utilities team carried out a full utilities assessment, engaging with statutory undertakers to map existing infrastructure, confirm capacity and identify required diversions and easements. Key constraints included a large combined sewer, water mains within Crown Lane, overhead and underground electricity infrastructure and telecoms apparatus crossing the proposed access. Early identification of these constraints allowed the layout to be coordinated to minimise disruption and manage diversion costs.
The Acoustics and Air Quality teams played a fundamental role in shaping the site layout, particularly given the development’s proximity to the M5. Detailed environmental sound surveys and modelling informed close collaboration with the wider design team, resulting in iterative layout refinements to minimise external noise exposure across the site. This included reducing lines of sight between the motorway and private gardens, the introduction of three-storey dwellings along key frontages to provide acoustic screening, and the design of a 4m-high acoustic barrier comprising a 2m earth bund with a 2m acoustic fence. As a result, the vast majority of the site was demonstrated to meet relevant external amenity criteria, with targeted mitigation measures, including enhanced glazing and alternative ventilation strategies, specified where required to achieve acceptable internal noise levels.
Air quality modelling confirmed that road traffic emissions would not result in significant adverse effects on future residents, while construction dust risks were managed through a defined mitigation framework.
The assessments and subsequent mitigation approach resulted in no objection from the Council’s Environmental Health Team.
Finally, the Lighting team prepared a detailed Lighting Impact Assessment to establish baseline conditions and assess potential effects on nearby residential and environmental receptors. A mitigation-led lighting strategy was developed through careful luminaire selection, controlled mounting heights and precise aiming angles to minimise glare and light spill beyond the site boundary. Lighting levels were designed to provide safe and appropriate illumination across streets and public areas, while avoiding adverse impacts on retained open space and surrounding receptors. The assessment demonstrated that, with the proposed mitigation in place, the development would not result in significant lighting effects.
By working closely with the wider project team and responding to the site’s evolving constraints, MEC helped shape a robust planning submission that addressed technical challenges in a clear and coordinated way. This integrated approach reduced risk, gave the client greater certainty and ensured mitigation measures were thoughtfully embedded into the design, supporting both deliverability and long-term residential quality. Building on this foundation, MEC’s Civil Engineering and Structures teams will commence detailed design work in early 2026 to support the delivery and construction of the development with Bromford.
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