Groundworks in Horsham
We are your West Sussex partners. From the clay of Southwater to the historic town center, we deliver robust foundations and drainage solutions to Horsham District.
Engineered for the Weald
Horsham sits firmly on the Low Weald. This unique geology presents specific challenges regarding drainage and soil volume change that differ from the chalk hills to the north. We have the engineered solutions for Weald Clay.
The Weald Clay Challenge
Most of Horsham, particularly Southwater and Broadbridge Heath, is built on Weald Clay. This soil is notoriously impermeable, meaning soakaways often fail, and it is highly susceptible to seasonal shrinkage (subsidence).
Towards Mannings Heath and St Leonards Forest, the ground transitions to Tunbridge Wells Sand, which offers better stability but requires careful trench support due to the granular nature of the soil.
Standard strip foundations in Weald Clay are risky. We frequently use bored piling or reinforced rafts with anti-heave protection to safeguard your build against soil movement.
Since clay doesn't drain, we design substantial drainage fields or install attenuation tanks that hold storm water and pump it to the mains, rather than relying on failed soakaways.
Flood Defense: River Arun
The River Arun and Boldings Brook pose flood risks to lower-lying parts of the district. We specialize in resilient construction for properties within the flood zones, ensuring compliance with Environment Agency requirements.
Flood Resilience
We install flood-proof doors, non-return valves, and water-resistant concrete floors (PLFR) for properties at risk of surface water flooding.
Land Drainage
For large gardens in the Weald, we install herringbone land drains to channel standing water away from the property and prevent lawn waterlogging.
Sewer Connections
We are approved contractors for Section 106 sewer connections, handling the paperwork and road opening licenses for Southern Water assets.
Planning Resources
Horsham Planning
Check planning applications and constraints via the Horsham District Council public access portal.
Visit Portal →Flood Map
View the long-term flood risk map, essential for properties near the Arun or Boldings Brook.
Check Postcode →Southern Water
The main wastewater authority for Horsham. Apply here for build-over agreements.
Developer Services →