Design and Consultancy
Our core team of specialists are able to help at all stages of project delivery. We provide a wide range of consultancy services, including:
- Site apprasials and scoping reports
- Topographical site surveys
- Feasibility studies and options reports
- Ecological surveys
- Hydraulic modelling
- Flood risk assessments
Our designs use cross sectional and whole plan technical drawings based on the wide range of resources gained through our consultancy techniques. Using premium, industry-standard software we produce high quality designs and drawings for our client, whether we will be doing the construction or just acting as principal designers. These surveys and drawings are critical to finding the optimum solution to any project, making sure it considers all aspects of local hydrology an ecology without any unforeseen outcomes.
We offer an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) service which allows local authorities and other project managers to utilise our design and consultancy work in the planning and development stages of a project. Our service also allows for a continuous feedback input at all stages of the project ensuring a smooth delivery process.
Permit Applications
We are adept and experienced in applying for various of consents or permits across a wide variety of activities.
We are able to advise on which consents a project might require and how long it may take to acquire them. At your request, we will liaise with all the relevant authorities and regulatory bodies required to consent your project, saving you time and effort. We have experience dealing with the following consents and permits:
Environmental Permits for Flood Risk Activities – any activity on, in or under a main river, a floodplain or a flood defence will require an Environmental Permit for Flood Risk Activities. We are able to advise whether a river is classified by the Environmental Agency as a ‘main’ river and whether the activity merits an ‘exemption’, a ‘standard rules permit’ or a ‘bespoke permit’. Environmental Permits carry a non-negotiable 8-week deliberation period, meaning our experience in expediting the application process can be invaluable for delivering a project to a deadline.
Ordinary Watercourse Consent – if the Environment Agency do not class a river, stream, ditch, drain or culvert as a ‘main’ river, it will be categorised as an ordinary watercourse. Works to an ordinary watercourse require Ordinary Watercourse Consents instead, which are usually obtained through the local authorities. Ordinary Watercourse Consents also carry 8-week deliberation period, so efficient application is a prudent resource.
Natural England Assent – works not relating to a watercourse but taking place in a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) will require Assent from Natural England. The wide variety of features that can be designated within a SSSI mean that the Assent process can become complicated and, as such, time consuming. With our resources and experience, we can liaise with Natural England and work on acquiring Assent as quickly and efficiently as possible.
We also have experience in securing Planning Permission for private riparian landowners and Marine Management Organisation (MMO) consent for works carried out below mean high water spring tide.
