Contract: Waterstone Park (Stonecastle), Bluewater, Kent  

Client: Countryside Properties  

Date: 2004 to present

Value:  £50,000  

CL Voelcker have been involved with the site since 2004 providing a range of specialist geotechnical design and consultancy services particularly related to the properties and features of the underlying Chalk. 

Solution features are problematic in most areas of the shallow chalk deposits and CL Voelcker were initially approached to carry out desk studies and risk assessments for such features.  This led on to involvement with geochemical investigations, testing and advice on potential contamination issues as the site has progressed through phased development. 

CL Voelcker have also advised on surface water runoff.  The site is underlain by Class 1 and Class 2 aquifers and investigation works including a full scale soakaway test has resulted in an agreed drainage solution which separates clean and 'dirty' runoff waters.  Separate soakaways have been constructed to comply with the requirements of the Environment Agency. 

CL Voelcker were also called in to investigate an open cavity in the chalk, this proved to be a medieval 'dene-hole', dug to obtain chalk probably for agricultural soil improvement purposes.  The feature has been stabilised and CLA have advised on the potential implications of any further such occurrences. 

Waterstone Park is a joint development between Land Securities and Countryside Properties.  The Consulting Engineer is Brand Leonard.