MEC supported Goodwin International in securing planning permission for the erection of two new employment buildings (Class B2), including ancillary offices, car parking, landscaping, and associated works. The development is set to generate 100 new jobs, contributing to local economic growth.
Located in Newstead, the 4.47ha site comprises open green space with mature trees. It is bordered by existing commercial developments, a Biffa Waste Transfer Station, and natural features such as an open pond and ditch network. Historically, the site operated as a sewage farm dating back to 1922, with a sludge treatment works situated to the south. This past use influenced the site's ground conditions and necessitated detailed environmental assessments to support the planning application.
MEC provided a multi-disciplinary approach, bringing together expertise from our Transport, Flood Risk & Drainage, and Geo-Environmental teams.
Our Geo-Environmental team conducted a Phase I Desk Study to assess initial site conditions. The study identified a low to moderate contamination risk due to historical sewage farm activity dating back to 1922 and a sludge treatment works to the south. Based on these findings, we recommended a Phase II ground investigation, including trial holes and soil profiling.
The Phase II investigation confirmed that piled foundations would be required for the proposed structures, with depths reaching up to 10m below ground level (bgl). However, lightly loaded areas, such as office spaces, could adopt shallower pad or trench fill foundations. Additionally, groundwater and gas monitoring confirmed that gas protection measures were not necessary. The investigation also determined that traditional soakaways would not be a viable drainage solution.
Our Flood Risk & Drainage team conducted a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA), confirming that the site lies within Flood Zone 1 and is at low risk of flooding. To manage surface water, we designed a drainage strategy in line with the Natural SuDS Standards. This involved directing water to two attenuation tanks, which would discharge at a controlled rate of 10.0 l/s into the local sewer on Crowcrofts Lane.
MEC’s Transport team prepared a Highway Scope, Travel Plan, and Transport Statement, as well as a Road Safety Audit Response Report (RSARR). The site was proposed to be accessed from Alderflat Drive, within an existing commercial area, ensuring minimal impact on surrounding infrastructure.
Although the site itself was relatively flat, certain areas posed challenges due to large compounds affecting drainage design levels. Our Flood Risk & Drainage team devised an alternative solution that avoided deep (5-6m) drainage excavations, significantly reducing costs and improving deliverability. This approach was fully accepted by the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) without further comment.
On the transport side, initial concerns from Highways and the Local Council suggested a need for additional junction and transport improvements. However, our team successfully demonstrated that the site's shift-based workforce would minimise peak-hour traffic impacts. A comprehensive Travel Plan was developed, committing to Travel Plan Coordination to reduce single occupancy car travel associated with the site. The reports we provided, alongside a detailed review of local collision data and the existing transport network, enabled MEC to present a robust case, mitigating the need for additional junction and transport improvements initially requested by the authorities. This resulted in a successful planning approval without further infrastructure requirements
Tim Rose, Regional Director at MEC, commented: "Securing planning permission for a development such as this, requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. Our multi-disciplinary team worked closely with the client to navigate environmental, drainage, and transport challenges, ensuring a robust application that met both regulatory requirements and the practical needs of the site. We're proud to have played a key role in delivering a solution that provided a positive and cost-effective solution for our client.”
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