Lustre Consulting was appointed by Oscar Acoustics to deliver a wide range of environmental and geotechnical services for the redevelopment of a commercial site in Halling, Medway. This project involved the construction of two commercial buildings, associated parking areas, and access roads. Given the site’s geological and environmental sensitivities, as well as regulatory requirements, our consultants undertook a phased approach to ensure the development proceeded safely and compliantly.
The project started with a Phase 1 Desk Study, designed to assess historical land use and identify potential contamination risks. The study revealed that while the site itself was previously undeveloped, nearby industrial activities posed potential contamination risks. Additionally, the site’s location on a sensitive Chalk aquifer necessitated careful planning to mitigate potential groundwater contamination.
The desk study provided critical baseline data, forming the foundation for a targeted and efficient investigation strategy.
The subsequent Phase 2 Site Investigation involved detailed assessments of both environmental and geotechnical conditions to address identified risks:
Based on the findings, we developed a tailored Remediation Strategy, which included:
Given the site’s proximity to a sensitive Chalk aquifer, a Piling Risk Assessment was conducted to evaluate contamination migration risks during piling. Our recommendations enabled the safe use of vibro stone columns, ensuring low-permeability deposits remained intact.
Subsequently, a Piling Groundwater Verification was undertaken, involving multiple rounds of groundwater sampling and analysis to confirm that the quality of the aquifer was maintained. This provided the necessary evidence to discharge planning conditions
The project concluded with a detailed Remediation Verification Report which confirmed the successful execution of all remediation measures. This included:
The report satisfied Medway Council’s planning conditions, demonstrating that all planning conditions had been met and the site was safe for redevelopment.
Lustre Consulting’s expertise and approach ensured the successful transformation of this site into a safe, compliant, and sustainable commercial development. The project also achieved an A+ EPC rating and was recognised as ‘net zero emissions’, cementing its role as an environmentally responsible development. By addressing contamination risks, safeguarding groundwater, and supporting structural design, our work played a large role in securing planning approvals and enabling the project to proceed.
To learn more about the Green Plaque Award recently presented to the Oscar Innovation Centre, click here.
For more information on how Lustre Consulting can assist with your environmental and geotechnical challenges, please contact us today.
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