Elm Tree Farm
As the development was considerable in scale, nutrient neutrality could not be achieved without mitigation. The nutrient neutrality assessment explored multiple options and concluded that the strategy would involve a combination of measures. We determined that the site could achieve phosphorus neutrality through land use change. This approach was necessary as no credit schemes were available at the time to purchase phosphorus credits. To offset the remaining nitrogen budget, SuDS were implemented alongside the purchase of nitrogen credits from the Conningbrook Wetland Scheme.
Client: Quinn Estates
Status: Outline Planning Permission Granted in October 2025
Services
Flood Risk Services
- Flood Risk Assessment (FRA)
- Sustainable Drainage Strategy
- Flood Defence (Mitigation) Strategy
- Flood Investigation
- Hydrology & Hydraulic Modelling
- Flood Emergency Plan
- Basement Impact Assessment (BIA)
- Groundwater Flooding
- Expert Witness
Environmental Services
- Nutrient Neutrality
- Flow & Water Quality Monitoring & Sampling
- River Geomorphological Survey & Assessment
- Water Framework Directive (WFD) Assessment
- Water Resources Assessment
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- Air Quality Assessment (AQA)
- Catchment Management Plans
- Environmental Permits, Licences & Consents
- Expert Witness
Engineering Services
- Sewerage Design
- Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Design
- Landscape Amenity & Sport Facility Drainage
- Earthworks Design
- River Design
- Roads & Driveways
- Expert Witness
Project details
A site-specific Flood Risk Assessment and Sustainable Drainage Strategy were also prepared. In accordance with the sequential approach, development areas were located away from natural valleys to maintain water flow paths and avoid obstruction of flood flows. The proposed drainage design divided the site into six distinct drainage catchments, each with its own attenuation basin designed to provide storage and controlled discharge to the watercourse.
We have successfully supported Quinn Estates in securing planning permission for this significant development.
