Create supports planning approval for 70 new homes across Codicote and Basildon
We’re thrilled to hear that our long-term client, Hawridge Land, has had their proposals for 30 new homes in Codicote, Hertfordshire, approved by North Hertfordshire District Council. The positive outcome follows an initial recommendation for refusal in December 2025 due to wildlife concerns.
Create was instructed to undertake a site-specific Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) and develop a Sustainable Surface Water Drainage Strategy (SuDS) for the proposed development, as part of a planning application. Claire Burroughs and Jamie Everitt assessed the risk and implications of flooding on the site, including flooding from tidal, fluvial, groundwater, surface water runoff, and artificial sources to ensure that flood risk would not be exacerbated. An outline surface water drainage strategy (SuDS) was also devised for the scheme.
The site was complex, as there was no obvious outfall to a watercourse or nearby surface water sewer. As a result, an infiltration solution was investigated, and, from the results of the BRE365 infiltration testing, it was discovered that typical soakaways would not pass the required design criteria. This left us to review more bespoke and non-traditional SuDS solutions for the site. Nearby public data showed that the local geology may be suitable for a deep bore soakaway. Deep bore soakaways are not typically accepted by Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFA), but are deemed adequate if there are no other viable options to discharge surface water and the local geology and infiltration rates are acceptable. We therefore provided guidance to Hawridge on the required testing for deep bore soakaway in order to better understand the required design calculation. The results came back positively, and we developed a SuDS solution with above ground attenuation which discharged to deep bore soakaways.
To ensure a smooth planning process with the Hertfordshire LLFA, we also had to ensure our reporting and accompanying documents were sound for the planning submission to seek approval. We provided evidence to demonstrate that there were no other viable options to discharge surface water and that nearby approved developments had also set a precedent on this solution being acceptable.
The LLFA did request that we investigate a sewered connection to the surface water sewer which was 350m away. However, we were able to prevent a full investigation because we explained that to connect to the adopted surface water sewer connection we would need a pumped solution, which was inherently unsustainable because of the power requirements. We reasoned that the gravity-based design with deep bore soakaways was more reflective of the SuDS principles and required less energy use and infrastructure – which is a basic aim of SuDS.
Create was able to satisfy the LLFA’s requirements and gain planning approval, subject to conditions. As part of our service, we reviewed these conditions to ensure they were acceptable and achievable for the next stage of planning (detailed design).
Alongside our work on the scheme in Codicote, the past week has also seen our team play a key role in securing planning consent for up to 40 new homes at Bells Hill Road in Basildon, Essex. This was following a successful appeal from Hawridge Land, during which the Planning Inspectorate deemed that the proposals would not harm the character of the area.
We have had the pleasure of working with Create, in particular Claire Burroughs, on two development projects where their flooding and drainage expertise played an important role in successfully achieving outline planning consent.
Throughout both projects, the team demonstrated a high level of professionalism, technical knowledge, and attention to detail. Their reports and supporting information were thorough, well-presented, and responsive to the requirements of the planning process, helping to address drainage and flood risk matters efficiently and effectively.
In addition to their technical capabilities, the team was always approachable, friendly, and easy to work with. They communicated clearly, worked collaboratively with the wider consultant team, and were proactive in resolving issues as they arose.
We would have no hesitation in recommending Create to others seeking experienced and reliable flooding and drainage consultants.
Des Wicks, Managing Director at Hawridge Land
