Solmek Ltd
Ground Desk Study Edinburgh
A Phase 1 Desk Study in Edinburgh involves evaluating the ground conditions and environmental settings of the site based on historical and existing information to plan the scope of the Phase 2 Site Investigation. The desk study research and site reconnaissance should form the initial phase of any site investigation prior to development, with the aim of the report being to identify and quantify the potential risks associated with geotechnical, environmental or contamination hazards of a site. A Desk Study is a compulsory requirement for many local authorities in their planning application process and it is the responsibility of the local authority to apply due scrutiny to developments to ensure they meet the requirements of current guidance and legislation. Should you be in need of a Phase 1 Desk Study in Edinburgh, then be sure to contact Solmek today.
Working across the Edinburgh
Phase 1 Desk Study Reports Edinburgh
Depending on the requirements of the phase 1 desk study report and the individual site setting in Edinburgh, the desk study will research various sources of evidence to identify all hazards which will pose developmental considerations. These sources of evidence include historic maps, geological maps, aerial photography, coal mining records, public data, archival records and environmental registers. From these sources, hazards are identified which may include former landfills, mining activity, geological instability, contamination sources, pollution controls and incidents.
The site reconnaissance forms a crucial aspect of a phase 1 desk study, which can identify potential issues to the proposed development and help inform later site investigation works which are unrecorded in the research data. This may include asbestos containing materials in buildings, buried or overhead utilities, access restrictions and illegal dumping of waste. Valuable information may also be gleaned from the current occupiers of the site or members of the public, this may include information unrecorded in the research data or unobserved during the reconnaissance.
The findings of the Phase 1 Desk Study is then summarised into a Conceptual Site Model (CSM) which identifies the potential sources of contamination and pathways to on-site and off-site receptors. The CSM should be viewed as a living document, which is revised as additional information is obtained. Where no potential hazards or linkages are identified, further investigation may not be deemed necessary.
Comprehensive Desk Studies
When is a Phase 1 Desk Study Needed in Edinburgh?
Phase 1 Desk Studies in Edinburgh have become increasingly common in the construction industry with both domestic and commercial clients. Whether you're building your dream home or redeveloping an old site, a phase 1 desk study will help you to gain a better understanding of the ground conditions and any potential contaminations; meaning you can then plan more effectively for a site investigation. There are many reasons as to why someone might choose to carry out a phase 1 desk study in Edinburgh and three of the most common reasons for them to be carried out are:
- Planning - To help ensure the protection of the local area and correct development of sites, many local authorities now require a phase 1 desk study to be carried out to support a planning application. When it comes to planning permission, phase 1 desk studies might also be referred to as Phase 1 Preliminary Risk Assessments.
- Peace of Mind - When planning on purchasing a piece of land, especially if it's a brownfield site, to give yourself peace of mind before purchasing you might choose to carry out a phase 1 desk study. A phase 1 desk study will help you to identify and evaluate potential issues with the land and what remedial works might be required to resolve any issues or potential contaminations highlighted.
- Warranty - If you are wanting to ensure your properties are covered by a warranty, then warranty providers such as The National House Building Council, also known as NHBC, might request for you to carry out phase 1 desk study to work as a supporting document for the warranty.
Why Choose Us For Phase 1 Desk Studies in Edinburgh?
20+
Years of Experience
5000+
Completed Projects
If you're in need of a Phase 1 Desk Study carrying out on a particular piece of land in Edinburgh, then be sure to contact Solmek today!
Over the years, we have carried out phase 1 desk studies in Edinburgh for many clients, from active developers to potential land buyers and much more. No matter what your reason for needing a phase 1 desk study in Edinburgh might be, you can count on Solmek to carry it out for you. We work closely with our clients from start to finish to ensure they understand the work being undertaken and they understand the phase 1 desk study report that is presented to them upon completion.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say...
"We have used Solmek for a number of years to carry out site investigations on a great number of sites and would have no hesitation recommending them to any Clients for this type of work. Solmek have always been reliable, trust worthy and pro-active dealing with issues as they arise on site in a truly professional manner."
Paul Winship
Partner, Billinghurst George And Partners
"Solmek have undertaken Phase 1 Desk Studies and Phase 2 Site Investigations across a large number of County Durham Housing Group’s (CDHG) sites. Solmek provided a quick and efficient service, they have been proactive in dealing with an queries arising and we look forward to working with them again in the future."
Tom Winter
Development Officer, County Durham Housing Group