Site Investigation at Hare Lane Farm, Brereton, Cheshire
Client: Dale Farming
Services: Infiltration testing, BRE 365 soakaway testing, BS6297 soil infiltration testing, trial pitting, groundwater monitoring
Location: Cheshire
Project summary & client purpose:
Earth Environmental & Geotechnical was commissioned to undertake infiltration testing at Hare Lane Farm, Holmes Chapel Road, Brereton, on behalf of Dale Farming.
The purpose of the investigation was to provide robust, site-specific data to inform the proposed drainage strategy and support planning requirements. Early understanding of ground conditions and infiltration potential was critical to enabling the client and design team to progress with confidence and reduce uncertainty at the design stage.
Our services:
We delivered a targeted programme of site investigation works, including machine-excavated trial pits, BRE 365 soakaway testing and BS6297 soil infiltration testing, alongside groundwater observations.
Ground conditions were logged by our engineers, and infiltration rates were calculated in accordance with current guidance and standards. The findings were compiled into a clear, practical report, providing the technical evidence required to inform drainage design and planning submissions.
The challenges:
Ground conditions across the site were variable, with sandy gravelly clays overlying firm to stiff clay strata and localised sand deposits encountered in one area. Variability of this nature can significantly influence infiltration performance and soakaway suitability.
The challenge was to obtain accurate, representative data across the site to ensure the proposed drainage solution was both compliant and technically appropriate, while minimising the risk of redesign or delays later in the project.
Results:
The infiltration testing provided the client with clear, reliable data to support drainage design decisions. By identifying areas of differing infiltration potential and confirming groundwater conditions, the investigation enabled the design team to refine their approach at an early stage.
As a result, the client was able to progress their planning strategy with the confidence that their drainage proposals were informed by robust ground investigation data – helping to reduce risk, avoid unexpected costs and maintain programme certainty.
