At Subteno, we deliver smart, buildable civil engineering solutions that support developments from the ground up - starting with site assessments and planning, right through to detailed drainage, highways and infrastructure design.
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Whether supporting planning submissions or delivering finished levels and pavement design, our goal is always the same: to create efficient, cost-effective civil infrastructure that stands the test of time.
Engineering Site Assessments.
Engineering Site Assessments
Our team has extensive experience conducting engineering site assessments to support clients with site due diligence. We review desktop data alongside on site inspections to identify potential environmental, geological, hydrogeological, and topographical conditions and constraints.
Additionally, we assess relevant regulatory requirements and local planning policies to highlight key risk factors, aiding accurate cost planning. Based on these findings, we recommend further investigations to advance site evaluation and optimise site potential.
Pre-Planning Advice.
Pre-Planning Advice
Pre-planning advice involves discussing and optimising draft development proposals, it is critical to a project’s success, helping to avoid delays to programme and cost later in the construction phase.
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We strongly encourage early engagement in every project and provide clarity on regulatory obligations and guidance to reduce engineering risks.
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Our goal is to help clients understand the necessary requirements as early as possible to secure a positive project outcome.
Strategic Drainage Design.
Strategic Drainage Design
For larger sites or multi phase developments, Subteno provides strategic drainage design services, delivering fully integrated schemes that meet all development requirements.
We engage with local authorities to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and verify public sewer network capacity. Our Drainage Strategy reports, drawings, and calculations support this process, offering clients a comprehensive package of information for future reference or to assist with outline planning submissions.
Flood Risk Assessments (FRA).
Flood Risk Assessments (FRA)
A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) is a detailed report used to determine how a proposed development may be affected by flooding, or how it might increase flood risk for surrounding areas. It’s a regulatory requirement in England and Wales for many planning applications
Subteno possesses extensive expertise in undertaking Flood Risk Assessments for development projects across all flood zones. Such assessments represent an indispensable component of the planning and design process and serve to:
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Identify all sources of flood risk in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
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Evaluate the likelihood and severity of potential flooding events
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Assess the implications of the proposed development on flood risk elsewhere
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Recommend appropriate mitigation strategies, including the design of surface water drainage systems, to reduce flood risk
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Address public safety considerations, including the provision of safe access and egress during flood events
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Ensure compliance with relevant national and local flood policies and regulatory requirements
Subteno frequently conduct Flood Risk Assessments in conjunction with drainage strategy development to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach.
Flood Compensation Design.
Flood Compensation Design
Flood compensation design is a key part of managing flood risk in development projects in the UK, particularly when development reduces the capacity of a floodplain to store water.
Subteno has extensive experience in conducting flood compensation modelling, seamlessly integrating compensatory requirements into the site layout and drainage design.
This approach ensures that on site flood volumes are maintained without increasing flood risk elsewhere, while also safeguarding on site infrastructure, personnel, and the public. Such modelling is conducted as an integral part of a Flood Risk Assessment report.
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)
SuDS provide more sustainable approaches to managing surface water runoff. Unlike traditional drainage systems that quickly channel rainwater into sewers, SuDS aim to mimic natural processes by slowing, storing, and treating rainwater close to where it falls. This strategy helps reduce flooding, improve water quality, and enhance biodiversity.
Subteno is deeply committed to environmental stewardship and actively promoted the adoption of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) even prior to the publication of the current National SuDS Standards.
Subteno possesses extensive experience collaborating with architects, clients, and various project stakeholders, including statutory consultees, to successfully integrate SuDS into numerous projects across a wide range of sectors. This is optimal when undertaken at predevelopment stage.
3D Terrain Modelling / Volumetric Analysis.
3D Terrain Modelling / Volumetric Analysis
3D Terrain Modelling is the process of creating digital representations of the existing site levels in three dimensions. This technique is widely used across various fields to analyse existing topography with proposed development levels.
Results are optimal and waste is reduced when this technology is utilised in conjunction with geotechnical advice and understanding what techniques are available for improving existing ground conditions to reduce off site disposal.
Subteno advocates a “Zero-to-Landfill” approach and has extensive experience using 3D digital terrain modelling to maximise the reuse of site won material.
Finished Levels Design and Flood Risk.
Finished Levels Design and Flood Risk Management
Proposed development levels are intrinsically linked to flood risk and surface water drainage design. Subteno provides comprehensive support to clients and project architects by undertaking finished levels design for their projects.
This service ensures compliance with the client’s brief and relevant building regulations, including the provision of DDA compliant access routes. In addition, Subteno’s design approach prioritises the safe routing of surface water runoff, directing it away from buildings, thresholds, and other critical site areas to mitigate flood risk effectively.
Highway Design Services.
Highway Design Services
Subteno provides highway design services for projects requiring Section 278 (S278) modifications to the existing highway to accommodate new site access arrangements.
Additionally, for projects necessitating new highway infrastructure, such as residential developments, Subteno undertakes highway alignment design. This design is prepared to meet standards suitable for subsequent Section 38 (S38) adoption or to remain in private ownership while adhering to adoptable design criteria.
External Works and Pavement Design.
External Works and Pavement Design
External areas serving a development play a vital role, they are as important as new structures in shaping the overall user experience.
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Subteno’s team of engineers has extensive experience in external works pavement design. Collaborating closely with architects, clients, and other project stakeholders, Subteno ensures that pavement finishes align with the client’s brief while providing a robust flexible, rigid and permeable pavements capable of accommodating vehicles, HGVs, and pedestrian loadings.