The Brambles is a private cul-de-sac of fourteen occupied residential properties situated in Whitchurch, Shropshire which were built by a private developer approximately seven years ago. The original developer had failed to construct the road and sewerage infrastructure to an adoptable standard and ceased trading before this could be rectified.
Following a competitive tender McPhillips were appointed by Shropshire Council to remediate the road and footways and the original non-compliant foul and surface water drainage to Welsh Water specification in order to facilitate its adoption. This work involved:
- Replacing the surface water and foul water sewers located in the road.
- Building a new foul water pumping station compliant with Welsh Water specification.
- Resurfacing the existing road and footways.
The challenges
The new pumping station was to be constructed adjacent to the original pumping station in a constrained area of the site between occupied properties.
The site had a high-water table so requiring dewatering during the pumping station construction.
Maintaining the foul water discharges from the occupied properties while replacing existing drainage.
Accessing the gardens of fourteen occupied properties to lay new drainage and reinstating lawns and patios.
Reducing disruption and maintaining access to the residential properties.
The solutions
In order to maintain foul water discharges from the occupied properties a temporary pump and chamber was constructed within an existing manhole before the original pumping station was decommissioned. When this was activated we were able to remove the original equipment, dewater the site using a sump pump and excavate ready for installation of the new pumping station. Arrangements were made to remove foul waste using tankers in the event that the temporary pumping station was insufficient however this was not required.
Access was maintained to the properties wherever possible and when a road closure could not be avoided we provided temporary car parking for residents close by. We also planned for emergency vehicle access to the properties around the clock.
Close liaison with stakeholders was required for the planning of work on each individual property and our team developed positive relationships with the residents.
The result
The project was completed five weeks ahead of schedule to the satisfaction of the local stakeholders and through our close liaison with the adopting water company throughout the project we are optimistic that the timescale for adoption will be significantly reduced.
Project costs and the environmental impact were reduced by re-using the existing pumping station kiosk and control panel.
Andrew Dunham, our Project Director for the work, commented: “‘This was a complex scheme due to the history of the site and the fact that access to a lot of our working areas was constrained however I am pleased that we’ve been able to help the residents of The Brambles while delivering another successful project in partnership with Shropshire Council.”