Local Requirements - Structural Survey

Types of application or development that require this information

  • Applications for the conversion of buildings in the Greenbelt or Countryside to demonstrate that they are capable of conversion without major or complete reconstruction
  • Developments on land known or suspected to be potentially unstable for example issues of slope stability, landslip areas and subsidence due to coal or stone mining
  • Proposals for free standing retaining structures for example gabion baskets
  • Proposals for excavation or fill on the site that would affect land stability

What information is required?

A full structural engineers survey should be carried out by a suitably qualified professional.

For building conversions, a Structural Survey should include:

  1. A general description and age of building
  2. An appraisal of the structural stability of the building
  3. Assessment of repairs necessary to ensure retention of the building
  4. Assessment of structural and other alterations necessary to implement the proposed conversion;
  5. Assessment of percentage of building that needs to be rebuilt - including walls and timbers. The areas of walling to be taken down and rebuilt should be shown as shaded/hatched on the submitted plans
  6. Opinion as to the suitability of building for proposed conversion;
  7. Photographs are often helpful but not essential;
  8. A schedule of works necessary to preserve the building;
  9. A schedule of works necessary to carry out the applicant’s proposals (including those necessary to meet building regulation approval).

For land stability issues this should:

  1. Demonstrate that the proposed development/site will not be affected by subsidence or land instability by providing Desk Study reports/Site Investigation reports etc. A topographical survey should be included where necessary.
  2. Include calculations and details to demonstrate that the land on the site and surrounding areas will remain stable in both the temporary and permanent condition.
  3. Include calculations and details to verify the stability of retaining walls. A method statement, where necessary, should be provided for carrying out the works.
  4. Specify remedial measures to overcome problems/defects highlighted in reports.

Policy driver

  • National Planning Policy Framework - Chapter 13: Protecting green belt land
  • National Planning Policy Framework - Chapter 16: Conserving and enhancing the historic environment

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