About Us

About us at HES Ltd

We are a small independent environmental consultancy, directed by John Harcombe, working with local associates, to bring competitive and flexible solutions to developers and local authorities in the areas of Flood Risk, Drainage, Contamination and Ecology.

We often work with Homeowners (looking to build on their own land), Developers (developing thier land or prospecting on others), Planning Agents (helping homeowners and developers with the design and planning process), or with  Local Authorities (with development on their own sites or independent critique of 3rd Party work).

Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy

We undertake Flood Risk Assessments (FRA) for any  proposed development that is within an area of tidal or fluvial flood risk. We also under FRAs for developments which are in areas of high Surfacewater flood risk. A FRA report is required where any part of the application area of the proposed development is within Flood Zone 3 and includes assessing the risk of all sources of risk on a development site, its potneital users and neighbouring properties.

We can complete Sequential and Exception Testing as part of the FRA report or independent of it, depending on your development's needs. Sequential Testing is required for any new building in Flood Zone 3 (but not extensions).

We undertake detailed Drainage Strategy design reports (for surfacewater and foul discharges), where new buildings or significant changes in impereable area is involved.  A Drainage Strategy includes ground infiltration testing, pipe designs and a full report. We can also complete Surfacewater Runoff Assessments for prospective house buyers and potential developers, including a basixc assessment and designs.

We can also help you with any other flooding or drainage concerns you might have with an existing property, to help protect your property against future flooding, such as flood defence barriers, gates and other products.

Riverbank Repair / Restoration - Design and Construction

We have extensive experience, from over 15 years, in the design, permitting or consent and management of watercourse bank repair and restoration and flood protection projects. We have experience of working on upland and lowland rivers and lakes and coastal projects in Somerset, Devon, Dorset, North Somerset and Lancashire.

We can survey your site and produce assessment reports and Concept, Outline and Detailed engineering designs and method statement, as required. We can get all the necessary permits and/or consents to work in the watercourse, if required. We can also work with or manage the grounds or coivil contractor to oversee the construction work, t make sure the design is followed and amend it, on site, if required - this ensures the job goes smoothly and to plan.

We have established close working relationships with a small number of very competent and competitively priced civil contractors, who have a very good reputation and experience of this specialist area of work. We work with these civil contractors as the design or site engineer, depending on the needs of the project.

Contaminated Land and Waste Treatment

Here at HES  Ltd we can undertake detailed Phase-1 Contamination reports and Contaminated Land Risk Assessments to support your planning application on re-used or 'brownfield' land. If a Phase-2 assessment or Remediation report is required we can work closely with Geochemical specialists to provide this.

We also have extensive experience in waste (sewage) treatment design and optimisation and can produce sewage treatment assessments, specific designs (for secondary or tertiary treatment) or manage your sewage works' handover to the Water Company, as required. John Harcombe has worked for Thames, Yorkshire and Wessex Waters and the Environment Agency and has over 30 years experience in the Water Industry.

Ecology surveys - Habitats and Protected Species

We undertake numerous ecological surveys every year including Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (Phase-1 Habitat and Species surveys), Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment and other phase-1 surveys, such as hedgerow surveys and badger sett assessments.

We can also offer more detailed and specialist ecology work, through our associate (a Chartered Ecologist), to undertake phase-2 bat assessments and surveys (for bat roost and SAC work) as well as detailed site Baseline Surveys and Management Plans.

We pride ourselves on our diligence and competence in the field of practical ecology and will work closely with you throughout your project to help you protect your environment and stay the right side of the law. 
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