Brownfield Gets The Green Light

With the Government issuing new guidance to councils regarding the use of Local Plans to safeguard against ‘urban sprawl’ on green areas surrounding towns and cities, we have seen a swathe of news related to the availability of brownfield sites that are prime (or already set) for future redevelopment.

The Homes and Communities Agency has said that councils will play a key role in highlighting appropriate brownfield land, and as such want to see permissions in place for homes on over 90% of suitable brownfield land by 2020. This could potentially create up to 200,000 new homes whilst at the same time also protect our green belt land.

According to a recent survey by property consultancy Daniel Watney, their data indicates that approximately 25,000 acres of brownfield land currently exists across the UK, which could be utilised for around 466,000 new homes.   This was based on 45% of council data, meaning that there could potentially be land for up to a million homes if all council land was taken into consideration.

We are already seeing industry land owners starting to take into account their land use, with National Grid pledging to free-up unused industrial land for redevelopment. 24 sites have already been earmarked for building, which includes removing disused gasometers. It is estimated that in the first 10 locations alone, approximately 7,000 properties could be developed across 84 acres of brownfield land.

Here at Landmark, we have seen this focus on brownfield growing over the past 18-months, as more and more organisations work together on identifying ways of remediating brownfield plots and rejuvenating them back into local communities.

Our environmental data and historical maps are able to provide a clear picture of exactly how the land has been used through the years, enabling thorough site assessments to be conducted so the correct remediation can take place prior to development.  

Recent enhancements to our Envirocheck Analysis tool give the ability to now see historical land use of a site overlaid with present hazards and environmental data.  This gives the ability to view potential sources, pathways and receptors together to gain a more comprehensive understanding of risk on a site and to execute a better phase 1 report. 

As such, brownfield land should not be feared for what might lie beneath the surface, but instead it is an opportunity for land that may have been affected by industrial or commercial usage in the past to be given a new lease of life, for future generations and communities.

Envirocheck Analysis - reveals the hidden secrets of an area or plot of land

Unexploded Ordnance – is your site at risk?

In the latest issue (105) of Construction and Civil Engineering David Mole, Business Development Director at Landmark Information Group, explains the importance of incorporating unexploded ordnance risk assessments as part of Phase I site investigations.

 

It is almost 70 years since the end of World War II, yet Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) continues to pose a risk across the UK. It is estimated that 10 per cent of bombs dropped on London alone failed to detonate and could therefore pose a threat if unearthed.

Add to this the recent turbulent weather conditions, and we have seen a peak in the number of unexploded devices that have been unearthed as a result of the floods.   In fact, it has been reported that since the middle of December 2013 to the end of February, the Royal Navy’s Southern Dive Unit recovered or disposed of 244 items of ordnance.

When planning a new construction or civil engineering project, it is therefore important to incorporate UXO risk assessments as part of the Phase I site investigations to determine whether any potential risks may be present. 

Read more 

“Bombs Away” - Understanding unexploded ordnance risks

Over 60 environmental consultants and property professionals joined our recent webinar with 6 Alpha: “Bombs Away” - Understanding unexploded ordnance risks.  David Mole, Business Development Director at Landmark commented: “around 12% of the entire UK landmass has been used for military training and over 15,000 items of ordnance were found in UK construction sites between 2006 and 2009.  Our free webinar provided our clients with an overview of the source of UXO risk, and steps they can take to minimise risk.”

During WWI and WWII thousands of tonnes of high explosives were dropped on the UK, with 17,000 tonnes falling on London alone.  Approximately 10% of the air delivered bombs failed to explode (6 Alpha Associates), resulting in an underground unexploded hazard which remains to this day.   Other large cities that have been affected are Portsmouth, Plymouth Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle and many others.

Even today, these munitions still present a significant hazard, with the news often featuring reports of bombs being found in the construction environment  and washed up on the beach.  Unexploded ordnance risk is also caused by military sites, active explosive sites and weapons and ammunition manufactures.  An analysis of our data archives identified 600 historical and active explosive sites in the UK and over 1,000 weapons and ammunition manufacturers.

Simon Cooke, Managing Director at 6 Alpha Associates, described the steps necessary to reduce the risk associated with unexploded ordnance to a level that is as low as reasonably practical (ALARP).

Simon commented: “At the start of any new ground works project, the first stage Preliminary search is a must. While the potential risk may be considered small, it should not be overlooked for the ultimate safety of all concerned.”

The first step to analysing potential risk is a desktop tool called a Preliminary UXO Risk Assessment, which indicates whether there is any risk of encountering a bomb. It's a quick and relatively cost effective option, developed in line with guidance from CIRIA and endorsed by the Health and Safety Executive.

If the  Preliminary UXO Risk Assessment suggests a risk to the project, the next step is to conduct a Detailed UXO Risk Assessment. This will detail the type of threat, the size, origin and also takes into account the proposed construction method and how that would impact on risk of UXO being encountered including project delay and prospectively a detonation event.  Strategic risk mitigation measures are described enabling investigative/groundworks and/or groundworks to safely proceed.

Read more about Envirocheck Bomb Search.

Landmark Information Group offer a range of free webinars and training sessions.  For more information or to arrange a free training session please contact customerservice@envirocheck.co.uk

EA LiDAR data from Promap saves the day for Craddy Pitchers Davidson

• Enabled timely completion of planning application on 40 acre, £40m development project
• Physical topographic study not permitted due to ecological constraints
• Team turns to EA LiDAR digital terrain model data to support flood risk assessment and drainage strategy
• Data provided in just two days and for £150

Structural engineering firm, Craddy Pitchers Davidson, has completed a flood risk assessment and drainage strategy essential for a planning application for a £40m development project, using EA LiDAR Digital Terrain Model data from our Promap service.  The team at Craddy Pitchers Davidson overcome a hurdle of not being able to physically survey the land due to ecological constraints by instead accessing LiDAR data, which is a fraction of the cost of a topographic survey, and was completed in two days, compared to several weeks.

Simon Pitchers, Director of Craddy Pitchers Davidson confirmed: “In order to progress the planning application, we needed to produce a flood risk assessment and a drainage strategy, both of which require a good understanding of site levels.  However, with protected species identified on the site, dense vegetation could not be removed and physical topographic surveying to establish levels was not possible.  We contacted Landmark’s Promap team and were advised about EA LiDAR Digital Terrain Model data.  This really saved the day. The EA LiDAR data is accurate to +/-5cm to 15cm, which was perfectly adequate for our initial needs, plus it was delivered in just two days and for £150.”

LiDAR is a remote sensing technology that measures distance by illuminating a target with a laser and analysing the reflected light.  Via Promap, high accuracy mass-capture datasets are available in a range of resolutions and formats, including Digital Terrain Models. This provides a topographic model of the underlying terrain of the earth's surface, which is derived by digitally removing the cultural (man-made) and vegetation features of a given area.  The EA LiDAR data has an accuracy of +/-5cm to 15cm, with the spatial resolutions ranging from 25cm to 2 metres and are suitable for a range of environmental applications, including flood risk assessment.  

Continues Simon Pitchers: “Not being able to undertake the physical site survey had the potential to delay the entire project.  Without it we simply couldn’t completed the planning application. Now, if ever we need to undertake a basic initial appraisal of a site before commissioning the full topographic survey, we will be using EA LiDAR data again. While it doesn’t replace physical surveys, it gives us a great insight into a plot without visiting, which is ideal if it is far away for example.  LiDAR data is a great discovery; it’s not expensive, provides a good level of accuracy and as far as I see it, it’s a real advantage for us and our customers.”

Carole Ankers, Product Development Director, Landmark Information Group said, “When faced with an obstacle of having to undertake a flood risk assessment and drainage strategy on a densely overgrown 40 acre site, with ecological constraints, the team at Craddy Pitchers Davidson needed to find an alternative option. Our EA LiDAR datasets are accurate, quick to produce and are extremely cost effective. Instead of paying thousands for a physical survey, LiDAR is available from £100 and can be relied upon for many purposes. We are pleased to have been able to help the team progress with this important development project.”

With over 25,000 users, our Promap service is used by surveyors, architects, property and land developers, environmental consultants and other industry professionals that require instant access to Ordnance Survey maps and related digital mapping data, including 3D models, height data, aerial photography and geo-data, including environmental, planning and geological reports to identify potential site issues.

For more information: visit: www.landmark.co.uk, read the Landmark blog, follow the team on Twitter, subscribe to the YouTube Channel or connect via LinkedIn. 

What do ‘Avatar™’ and ‘Minority Report™’ have in common?

They all present augmented reality as fiction, but it’s fast becoming a fact

Hollywood technology predictions have either come true or fizzled into a distant memory, relived only on movie nights. The ’Back to The Future™’ trilogy correctly predicted wireless video games, hand held computers, video conferences and wall mounted widescreen televisions. Sadly, some technological dreams depicted in the movie have yet to become reality - such as the hover board Marty McFly used to escape the clutches of his father’s school bullies.

Augmented reality is another technology that some people may class as purely science fiction. It’s certainly not something they would expect to use in everyday working life. However, the technology behind augmented reality is gaining traction and is increasingly being used in consumer facing industries.

Augmented reality provides a digitally enhanced view of the world in real time, and because of this the technology’s potential has not gone unnoticed in the commercial world. Companies are increasingly using its ability to bring real-time solutions to practical problems.

With augmented reality apps you can overlay sets of information on top of a live, real-time environment picture of your surroundings.  In the building and construction industry, such technology is already revolutionising the process in which site assessments and construction projects are managed. For example, current mapping applications allow users to overlay information, so that, for example you can plot route and distance information on existing area maps. The British Geological Survey has already developed the iGeology App that allows users to explore the rock geology beneath their feet using the camera on a mobile phone.

We have also recently enhanced our Envirocheck Analysis online mapping software. This is designed to deliver significant time savings and improved accuracy when analysing historical mapping for Phase 1 environmental site assessments, providing a quick and easy way to overlay current and historical maps and aerial photography.

It is currently only available on the desktop platform, but future technological enhancements using mobile technology are being investigated.

Augmented reality, once a dream of science fiction writers and fans, is  becoming a reality which will transform the way you work.  Perhaps we should still hold some hope for Marty McFly’s hover board after all.

You can augment your bottom line

The construction industry needs to wise up to the many benefits that augmented reality can bring to project management, saving you time and money, says David Mole.

For many, augmented reality is something from science fiction films, not something that can be used in the everyday working life. But in fact, much like the progression of the internet and social media, the technology behind augmented reality is gaining traction and will be widely available within the next decade.

In effect, augmented reality provides a digitally enhanced view of the world in real time. With it you can overlay sets of information with other sets of information, completing a fuller picture of your surroundings.

There are actually two types of augmented reality: GPS/compass-based augmented reality, and vision-based augmented reality. The GPS-based version uses location data to provide real-time information to the user, whereas vision-based augmented reality uses a device’s camera to scan and provide information.

Augmented reality is increasingly being used in consumer facing industries. But the technology’s potential has not gone unnoticed in the commercial world and companies are increasingly using its ability to bring real-time solutions to practical problems.

In the building and construction industry, such technology is already revolutionising the way that site assessments and construction projects are managed. For example, current mapping applications allow users to overlay information, so that, for example you can plot route and distance information on existing area maps. The British Geological Survey has already developed an app that allows users to explore the rock geology beneath their feet using a mobile phone’s camera.

We have recently enhanced our Envirocheck Analysis online mapping software. This is designed to deliver significant time savings and improved accuracy over manual historic map analysis for Phase 1 environmental site assessments, and provides a quick and easy way to overlay current and historical maps and aerial photography.

It is currently only available on the desktop platform, although a mobile version, using augmented reality, is planned in the near future.

Current mobile technology can also take advantage of mobile hardware, as well as software. For instance, there are applications that can use a mobile phone’s camera to measure the distance of an object and then calculate other information such as dimensions and overlay this data onto photographs and diagrams. Mobile technology also allows those in the construction industry to create detailed notes and information, along with images and videos, of current projects and to share that data with colleagues and others involved. This aids collaboration and speeds up the overall process. It will allow junior consultants and those with less experience to be supported remotely by more senior members of a team.

Other technologies are emerging that will help construction projects even more in the future. Already there is an increasing use of video to improve the efficiency of work completed in the field. The way that video imagery is captured is also changing. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will be increasingly common as they can provide up-to-date, real-time information that will allow environmental consultants to survey locations remotely, thus saving time. In fact last month the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved six sites for testing UAVs for commercial use. There is also the possibility of using nano satellites to capture and provide high definition images for commercial use.

Despite these advances, the construction industry still really needs to seize the opportunities that augmented reality offers. Those in the industry need to get used to using the technology to solve practical problems and develop it further. If this happens, the cost savings and efficiency improvements will make a substantial difference to operating costs in the future.

Landmark Information Group unveils enhanced map analysis software

In response to increasing market demand for Phase 1 desk studies to be conducted faster than ever before while still delivering tangible efficiency gains, Landmark Information Group has enhanced its Envirocheck Analysis online mapping software. Designed to deliver significant time savings and improved accuracy benefits over manual historic map analysis for Phase 1 environmental site assessments, Envirocheck Analysis provides a quick and easy way to overlay current and historical maps and aerial photography.

As James Carlisle, Technical Director at RPS Health, Safety & Environment, which is a regular user of Envirocheck Analysis, explains: “Envirocheck Analysis is a key part of our assessment process for environmental reporting on UK sites and enables our team to produce fast, accurate and comprehensive reports to meet our clients' typically urgent timescales. Gone are the days when our consultants were surrounded by piles of paper and scale rulers, or making frequent trips to local libraries.”

As one of the leading providers of historical mapping, Landmark Information Group launched the first Envirocheck product in 1996, and since then has established a large customer base of environmental consultants in the UK, who see Envirocheck as an essential part of their Phase 1 reporting. According to a survey of Envirocheck Analysis users, well over a third of respondents (37.5%) use the software  at least once a month, with 75% citing time savings and greater accuracy as among the key benefits of using Envirocheck Analysis over manual historical map analysis.   

Historically preparing a Phase 1 desk study was time consuming, inefficient and reliant on consultants visiting local libraries and manually comparing numerous differently scaled maps. Landmark Information Group’s Envirocheck product was the first service to collate the information in a single place, with the online analysis software delivering dynamic map overlaying, drawing and measuring tools bringing further efficiencies and helping to streamline the map analysis process. The vast majority (94%) of users now spend less than three hours carrying out map analysis; resulting in average time savings of 25% when compared with manual analysis.  

David Mole, Business Development Director at Landmark Information Group, says: “The latest enhancements to our Envirocheck Analysis software have come as a direct result of our extensive research and consultation with the industry. As technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, it’s important that we innovate and build added-value services that make a difference to our client’s bottom line. The days of sourcing hard-copy maps from libraries are long behind us, and the speed and flexibility of the Envirocheck Analysis platform means that Environmental Consultants can be even more rigorous in their approach to land appraisal.”

“Our ultimate goal is to respond to the needs of Environmental Consultants,” David adds. “With no need for a traditional software licence or subscription, this new technology will enable consultants to save time & money and lead to improved accuracy in reporting, which will in turn deliver swifter appraisal of sites through to planning consent.”

Spotlight on New Planning Guidance Highlights Importance of Rigorous Land Evaluation

The latest facet of the government’s focus on simplifying planning in order to stimulate the construction industry has placed a spotlight on the importance of land evaluation as part of the planning process. New Planning Guidance for contaminated land / land remediation, released by the Department for Communities and Local Government, emphasises the importance of undertaking thorough desk-based research into potential risk from contamination as part of the planning process, in order to help speed up planning approvals.

When carried out, efficient rigorous research can have a tangible impact on the speed of planning process and also accurately inform the land remediation process, ultimately helping deliver developments more quickly than if thorough due diligence isn’t undertaken during the early stages of planning.

David Mole, Business Development Director, comments: “With activity in the construction industry now at a three year high*, the government’s focus on stimulating the industry appears to be working; improving the planning process is a key factor in continuing to drive this growth. While we welcome the new guidance from the Department for Communities and Local Government, it does fall short in some areas and we therefore support the EIC contaminated land working group in their suggestions to the DCLG that certain amendments are made, including up-weighting guidance and improving terminology specific to industry professionals and including reference to relevant external guidance.

“The provision of poor quality, inaccurate reports can greatly delay the planning process and incur unnecessary costs for clients, which ultimately can have a very real impact on the wider economy, both regionally and nationally.

“It is therefore critical that consultants use a reliable system for their reporting. Our site-specific desktop search, Envirocheck, relied upon by land and property professionals, is the source of environmental information, including current and historical mapping and makes a tangible difference to our clients in terms of delivering reports of the very best quality in a timely fashion. More-over land and property professionals are now using web-technology such as Envirocheck Analysis in their workflow processes delivering improved accuracy and time saving benefits when analysing historical mapping as part of their land appraisal studies.”

The Envirocheck Report is the industry standard desk study information service, providing professionals with fast and highly accurate environmental site assessments. Envirocheck delivers site-specific information with access to comprehensive Ordnance Survey current and historical mapping. The historical maps in the Landmark database exceed 1 million map files from 1840 to present day sourced from Ordnance Survey, Trinity College (Dublin) and the Royal Geographical Society.  The collection of Ordnance Survey maps is supplemented with RAF historical aerial photos and Russian Military Cold War mapping of the UK.  The Envirocheck Report offers a flexible solution by allowing professionals to choose the detail they need depending on their project requirements.

For more information, visit www.envirocheck.co.uk. 

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* http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23549550

Fill the gaps in your landfill data

Envirocheck® uses a comprehensive range of data to ensure that you have made all appropriate enquiries as part your Phase 1 desk study.

The landfill data available through Envirocheck® exemplifies the concise, comprehensive and accurate nature of our reports so that you can rest assured that when you choose Envirocheck®, you choose the most extensive landfill datasets available.

Envirocheck® Historical Maps – Landfill datasets
Envirocheck® offers comprehensive active and historical landfill data prior to and following, the introduction of the Control of Pollution Act (COPA) 1974

Envirocheck® landfill data includes:

• Local Authority Recorded Landfill Sites - Sites which accepted waste prior to the Control of Pollution Act (COPA) 1974.  These sites would not have been subject to any strict regulation or monitoring.
• Registered Landfill Sites, Registered Waste Transfer Sites & Registered Waste Treatment or Disposal Sites  - Licensed sites for the disposal, transfer and treatment of waste following the introduction of COPA in 1974 and Section 36 of the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) in 1990.
• Licensed Waste Management Facilities - All active and historic landfill and waste sites licenced by the Environment Agency Under Section 64 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Part II) and prescribed by Regulation 10 of SI No.1056 the Waste Management Licensing Regulations (WMLR) 1994.  
• BGS Registered Landfill Sites –Over 3000 sites accepting waste prior to the Control of Pollution Act (COPA) 1974.  
• Historical Landfill Sites –Comprehensive national dataset of all historical landfill sites known to the Environment Agency in England and Wales.  

In addition to the above, we offer supporting datasets of historic OS mapping that can be used to identify sites of potentially in-filled land, including Potentially Contaminative Industrial Uses (Past Land Use) , Potentially Infilled Land (Non-Water) and Potentially Infilled Land (Water)

Click here for more information about  Envirocheck®

Call us for more information on 0844 844 9952