Project Description
Pacy & Wheatley Construction were appointed to complete a new build residential development in Grassmoor, Chesterfield. Design and Build project consisting of the construction of 11 new two/three bed houses and new access road and lighting. Built on farmland including varying and very detailed non-standard elevational treatments to meet the strict planning requirements of the scheme. The works included new links to the main road (Section 38 & 278 works) and new off site sewer connections, cattle fencing, retaining walls and external works and landscaping.
- Client: SYHA and Homes England
- Sector: Residential/Social housing
- Type:Residential Development
- Procurement Method: Negotiated
- Location: Grassmoor, Chesterfield
- Project Value: c £1.83M
The Challenge
The existing ground conditions needed significant improvement as it was previously used as agricultural land and we needed to provide a suitable validated site. The land had a significant slope and lay in valley location open to the elements particularly driving winds, these winds could cause serious effect to the works and its progress during construction, including, in particular the temporary state during the construction works. On 3 sides of the development there were existing residential areas to manage and deal with.
Each plot is architecturally designed and individual with varying elevation treatments; aluminium windows, security doors, brickwork and cladding, all under concrete tiled roofs. Varied materials types and architectural features were designed with many abutments meaning a design and seal solution was required at unusual junctions within the build.
The external works comprise of the installation of an attenuation tank and new drainage system with off-site connections, hard and soft landscaping and a new access road and S278 works to the estate. All elements were included to ensure that current building regulations and SBEM requirements were met and to meet the detailed SYHA specification.
During the construction period it was important to ensure the residents remained in full knowledge of any upcoming works / diversions and that the busy main road / highway remained accessible and operation at all times.
The Solution & Key Achievements
The existing ground conditions encountered led to a complex but considered final set of structural solutions. The site and road were suitably grouted to deal with any potential old mine workings, insulated raft foundations and reinforced screeds were provided all to minimise any potential settlement.
In attempts to ensure a timely construction process and whilst the ground and roadworks progressed, we decided to utilise ‘off site’ timber frame method of construction for the housing units which were developed and manufactured using a regular partner / supplier and ‘placed’ just in time as the foundations concluded. The frames were built on site very quickly.
To meet the difficult and restrictive development /detailed planning conditions, the style of house is very individual and quite agricultural in their aspects but do suit the area.
Pacy and Wheatley ensured extensive consideration for all neighbouring persons and those within the local vicinity, in order to ensure disruption was minimised. Regular updates were provided to local residents throughout the works and a traffic management scheme was arranged to minimise the any disruption or congestion upon the nearby area and major road adjacent the site which included a bus route.
