Design 

Following Stage 1  (feasibility study and risk assessment) and in consultation with the EA and the client, TGMS and Peter Mitchell Associates are able to produce conceptual designs for the proposed development.  These are developed with particular reference to factors such as traffic management (vehicular and pedestrian), grave plot area and layout, green burial areas, location of buildings and car parking.  Conceptual designs facilitate the consultation process with all stakeholders in the proposed development project and ultimately provide a basis for producing a detailed design

Production of a detailed design and specification

A detailed design is generally required by the EA during the consultation stage of the planning process, and can also form part of the tender and contract documentation for the project once planning approval has been gained.  The design comprises specifications, bills of quantities and construction drawings for the proposed development works.

The design and specification will, where appropriate, include items for:

• Drainage design to control groundwater.
• Surface drainage Site remodelling (e.g. cut and fill earthworks).
• Road and path layout. Water supply for stand pipes.
• Site establishment (e.g. cultivations, fertilisation and seeding).
• Agronomic maintenance for both the construction and post construction phases.

N.B.  It is important to note that all designs are tailored specifically to the site in question in terms of the indigenous soil, soil/water regime, climatic conditions and characteristics of materials intended for use in the construction works.  TGMS does not condone the use of “off the shelf” solutions to drainage problems because these are often fundamentally flawed and do not necessarily address the key issues at the site (e.g. is there a need to address a perched water table? or is the problem due to a rising watertable?).

Construction, Design and Management (CDM) Regulations

CDM is intended to protect the health and safety of people working in construction, and others who may be affected by their activities.  The regulations require the systematic management of projects from concept to completion; hazards must be identified and eliminated where possible, and the remaining risks reduced and controlled.  This approach reduces risks during construction work and throughout the lifecycle of a structure (including eventual demolition).

Designers have particular responsibilities under the CDM regulations, in particular designers must:

• take reasonable steps to ensure that Clients are aware of their duties under CDM before starting work;
• prepare designs with adequate regard to health and safety, and to the information supplied by the Client;
• provide adequate information in or with the design;
• co-operate with the CDM Coordinator and with any other designers so that each of them can comply with their duties under the Regulations.  This includes providing any information needed for the health and safety file.

Furthermore, under CDM, designers must ensure that any designs they prepare for the purposes of construction work avoid risks to anybody carrying out construction work and to anyone else who may be affected by this work, e.g. the general public.

As part of the feasibility study and design phases, TGMS pays particular attention to these regulations.  Depending on the requirements of the Client, TGMS Ltd is also able to undertake the role of CDM Coordinator.  For further information on the CDM regulations, please refer to the HSE leaflet "Having construction work done?".

For more information feel free to contact us on Tel: 01234 756040 or email via our online contact system