Case Studies
Starvehall Farm Housing Development
Client: Bovis Homes and Bloor Homes
Hydrogeo were commissioned by Bovis Homes and Bloor Homes to undertake a pre-purchase site investigation of Starvehall Farm, a proposed greenfield residential development in Prestbury on the outskirts of Cheltenham.
Site Investigation
The site was given outline planning consent for 300 homes in 2010, and in 2014 Hydrogeo undertook a site investigation. The purpose of the site investigation was to examine ground conditions across the 12.2 hectare site. Starvehall Farm is underlain by geotechnically contrasting geology, including the Charmouth Mudstone Formation and the Cheltenham Sands and Gravels.
Hydrogeo conducted a comprehensive site investigation utilising cable percussive borehole drilling, windowless sampling and trial pitting across the site to cover the following geoenvironmental aspects:
- Geotechnical testing and sampling
- Soil sampling and chemical testing
- Groundwater monitoring
- Ground gas monitoring
- Sulphate design class
- Soakaway testing
This program allowed the site to be fully characterised, informing pre-purchase decisions on foundation design, drainage and contamination. As of December 2015, the initial site preparation works have begun.
