Case study - Warblington Cemetery

In common with many local authorities, burial space in Havant is at a premium.  In order to address this problem before the current cemetery reaches capacity, Havant Borough Council commissioned soil environment engineering specialists TGMS and cemetery design specialists Peter Mitchell Associates, to carry out a feasibility study on three potential sites in order to establish which of these would be most suitable for development as a cemetery.

The suitability of the sites were complicated by a range of factors including the presence of a chalk aquifer (water-bearing rock), evidence of archaeological features and proximity to a site of special scientific interest (SSSI).  TGMS and Peter Mitchell Associates worked with the Council, English Nature, The Environment Agency and West Sussex Archaeology Limited in order to reach a solution that took account of the interests of the organisations involved.  The approach adopted involved the following distinct stages:

Stage 1 - Site survey, feasibility study, risk assessment and liaison with the Environment Agency

The sites were surveyed using TGMS's soil scanning technology to produce maps of topography and soil variability.      


                                                       

The maps were used by the soil engineer to target detailed site investigations in specific areas in order to establish the relative suitability of the alternative sites for a cemetery development.

Stage 2 - Design

Based on the results of Stage 1, the most suitable of the three sites for burial purposes was selected, this was land adjacent to Warblington Cemetery.  With reference to data from the monitoring of groundwater, it was concluded that the installation of a drainage system was required to prevent the water table from reaching burial depth.  TGMS produced a detailed design for the drainage system and liaised with the Environment Agency over the rationale behind the design for minimising risk to the environment.  As a result, the planning application was successful.

Stage 3 - Managing the tender process

The specification was used as the basis for the production of tender documentation for potential contractors. TGMS assisted the council during the tender process by providing an analysis of the tender returns encompassing factors such as track record, capacity, quality and cost.  White Horse Contractors Limited and Raynesway Construction Southern (RCS) were duly appointed to conduct the works.

Stage 4 - Project management and contract administration

Given the urgency to create new burial space, the project commenced immediately following the tender process in November 2005.         

Despite challenging working conditions, the Warblington Cemetery Extension project was completed on time and to budget, with an official opening by the Mayor on 3rd May 2006. 

        


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