OVERVIEW
Delivered across several phases by LIVEDIN and completed in 2024, this self-build housing scheme in the village of Ingoldisthorpe, North Norfolk, comprises 12 new dwellings arranged around an existing pond. The development includes 10 custom-build plots alongside two semi-detached affordable homes. Individually designed, the homes range from three to five bedrooms and incorporate open-plan layouts with double-height voids. Located on a greenfield site at the edge of the village, the development responds to its rural setting through locally distinctive materials including Carrstone with soft red brick, natural larch or black-stained board-on-batten cladding, and roofs finished in either red or black pantiles.
CREATE’S ROLE
Create were appointed in 2018 to provide multidisciplinary services (Civil Engineering, Water & Flood Risk) in support of the reserved matters planning application, before being retained throughout the lifecycle of the project. Our initial involvement included the development of a detailed two-dimensional TUFLOW model to assess surface water flood risks and the preparation of a comprehensive Flood Risk Management Strategy. This was followed by the detailed design and contract management of the site’s spine infrastructure, including drainage, utilities and associated off-site highway improvements. We also took responsibility for ongoing liaison with statutory consultees and key stakeholders to ensure coordinated and efficient delivery from planning through to completion.
Our roles, technical services and outputs included:
- Surface Water Flood Modelling
- Drainage Design
- Flood Risk Management Strategy
- Discharge of Conditions
- Detailed Infrastructure Design
- Off-site Highways Improvements
- Utilities Coordination
- Preconstruction Tendering and Contractor Selection
- Contract Preparation and Management
- Principal Designer Role
- Site Inspections (Spine Infrastructure)
CHALLENGES
The greenfield site presented our Water & Flood Risk team with surface water flood risk challenges requiring detailed two-dimensional TUFLOW modelling to understand behaviour under extreme events and develop appropriate mitigation. The phased nature of the custom-build delivery model also demanded careful consideration from our civil engineers, who managed infrastructure sequencing and ongoing contract management to serve plots as individual self-builders progressed at different rates, whilst maintaining the overall programme and quality of the spine infrastructure.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND BENEFITS
Reserved matters approval was granted in April 2019. Our flood risk and infrastructure work successfully unlocked the site for development, with all 12 homes completed by 2024.
- Winner: Best Custom Build Project or Model category at the Build It Awards 2020
