What was the Client Requirement?
River Thame Conservation Trust (RTCT) sought utility information to assist with a Planning Application for the installation of a fish pass and the removal of a weir near Dorchester, Oxfordshire. This project was done for two primary reasons; firstly the existing weir at Bucks Pool is deteriorated and vulnerable to failure which could damage the river’s ecology and worsen floods. Secondly, the weir acts as a barrier to fish migrations and makes the river far less healthy as a result. The Trust set out to fix this issue and repair the Weir, improving the river’s ecology and flow going forward.
What was the Apogee Solution?
Apogee was able to receive the utility plans for this site as requested, delivering the Full Utility Search report 100% complete and on time. Even for a (relatively) rural site of medium size such as this, collating utility plans is complex and time-consuming. Apogee has the advantage of decades of experience in dealing with utility information and relies on an extensive network of contacts in the industry to collect all relevant responses faster and more cheaply than would be possible alone, with every plan reviewed by a Proqual Level 3 qualified utility searcher and every report sent through a robust Q&A process.
What was the result of the report?
There was not a great deal of affected utilities for this site, however the utilities that were present were significant; an Intermediate Pressure Gas Main and an 11kv LV Cable both lying near to the works. Additionally, a telecoms cable operated by EXA was nearby along the route of the Oxford Road to the East of the site area. While the works for this particular site were likely to be shallow works, these utilities would present a major problem for construction or any works which require breaking the ground.
Why was the client delighted?
The report was delivered on time, fully complete and compliant and to the expectations of the customer. This search was primarily used to assist with a planning application, which has yet to be concluded – the client noted that the report was ideal for this purpose and it was submitted as part of the application.
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About the client:
The River Thame Conservation Trust (RTCT) is a grassroots registered charity formed in 2012 to address the declining state of the River Thame. The charity carries out works on freshwaters throughout the catchment area of the River Thame and undertakes a variety of schemes to improve the river, from surveys and water quality monitoring to more interventionist methods such as fish pass installations, weir removals, chalk stream restorations and wetland restorations. The charity defines its mission as “A river catchment with healthy fresh waters and wildlife, valued and enjoyed by local people, resilient for the future.”
Who else would buy this?
Our search and consultancy reports are ideal for Solicitors, Clients and Project Managers, Developers, Local Authorities Consultants, Architects, Design & Build Contractors, Highways Scheme promoters and Surveyors. Anyone involved with a residential or commercial development who would benefit from understanding the risks and costs which come from utilities would be well placed to talk to us. Even if you are not the source of funds for the development and costs savings are of secondary importance to you, we can help you avoid other inconveniences such as delays and reduce the risk of any accidents or strikes of existing plant, as well as improve due diligence and help you achieve compliance under the relevant guidelines and regulations, namely PAS128 and HSG47. We have decades of experience in managing such conflicts across our capable team, a member of whom was on the PAS128 steering committee and who was personally involved in the drafting of PAS128 Quality Level D.
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