Structural & Civil Engineering for New Build Houses and Small Developments

Building a new home on a single plot, an infill site or a small development? We design the structure and the drainage together, so your foundations, frame and below-ground drainage fit together, satisfy planning and Building Control, and can be priced and built without surprises. We work with developers, self-builders, architects and builders across London, Sussex, Kent, Surrey and Essex.

Get a quote or call 020 3835 2633

Structural engineering
• Foundations designed for your ground conditions and nearby trees, from strip and trench-fill foundations to rafts and piles
• Superstructure in masonry, timber frame or steel, including beams, lintels, floors and roofs
• Retaining walls for sloping and constrained sites
• Building Regulations Part A calculations and drawings, with answers to Building Control queries
• Site visits during construction when needed

Civil engineering and drainage
• Drainage strategies and SuDS design for planning applications
• Flood risk assessments where the site needs one
• Infiltration testing and soakaway design
• Water company applications: new sewer connections (Section 106), adoption (Section 104), sewer diversions (Section 185) and build-over agreements
• Utility searches before design and construction start
• Discharging pre-commencement planning conditions for drainage and flood risk

Why one engineer for both?
On a new build, the foundations, levels and drainage all affect each other. A soakaway too close to a foundation, or a sewer connection that doesn’t work with the finished floor levels, can mean redesign late in the project. Designing them together avoids that, and you have one point of contact for planning, Building Control and the water company.

Recent new build work
• Combermere Road, Hastings: structural design and below-ground drainage specification for a new-build house, plus help discharging the planning conditions.
• Rotherfield Close, Brighton: structural design for a new-build house on an infill site, with new below-ground drainage and a Section 106 sewer connection application to Southern Water.
• Downey Close, Hastings: structural and civil engineering for a new townhouse development on a brownfield site in Hollington.
• Meads Court, Bexhill-on-Sea: structural and below-ground drainage design for a new timber-frame storey on an existing building, including lift base design.
See our projects →

How it works
1. Early advice: send us your site plan and drawings. Ideally we get involved before the planning application, so the drainage strategy is ready to submit.
2. Planning: we prepare the drainage strategy, SuDS design and flood risk assessment if needed.
3. Detailed design: foundations, structure and drainage design, with calculations and drawings for Building Control and your builder.
4. Approvals: we discharge the drainage conditions and handle the water company applications.
5. Construction: we answer your builder’s questions and visit site when needed.

Common questions

When should I appoint a structural engineer for a new build?
As early as possible, ideally before the planning application. Most councils now expect a drainage strategy at planning stage, and early advice on foundations and levels can save money later.

Do I need a site investigation?
Usually, yes. The type of soil, groundwater and nearby trees decide the foundation and drainage design. We can tell you what investigation is needed and use the results in our design.

Can you work with my architect?
Yes. Most of our new build work is alongside architects, and we coordinate the structure and drainage with their drawings.

Do you work on single plots as well as developments?
Yes, from a single self-build house to small developments of several homes.

12+ years’ experience · £1,000,000 PI insurance

Civil engineering services →
SuDS and drainage design →
Flood risk assessments →
Drainage requirements by area: London · Sussex · Kent · Surrey
Get in touch or call 020 3835 2633