What was the Client Requirement
Minster Property sought clarity on a proposed development of 17-20 residential units in Sutton Benger, Wiltshire. Apogee were undertaken to help investigate the options and feasibility for the development especially in regards to the ease of new utility connections for the properties to receive Water, Power and Heating. An Investigation was undertaken to determine how best the development’s needs could be met in a timely manner whilst keeping costs to a minimum.

What was the Apogee Solution?
Using their experience in analysing utility plans and knowledge of how to handle them in relation to new developments, Apogee were able to identify an alternative electrical supply option for the development than the one originally proposed, and determine the availability of the other utilities. Apogee were also able to compare the benefits and the drawbacks of these options, informing the client on these and on the costs involved.

What was the result of the report?
The final result of the report was that two alternative sourcing options were found for the client to supply electricity for their development – one utilising the same point of connection but with an ICP performing the connection instead of the DNO, which was SSE In this instance – and another which involved variable loading and a different point of connection on the network identified by Apogee, which was closer to the site. Both resulted in significant savings to the client compared to the initial proposal. Additionally, sufficient capacity was identified for water for the development and the lack of Gas capacity for heating the site was confirmed. These new options were significant to the site’s overall feasibility as there was no Gas capacity for the development. Electric heating was recommended, as was the use of heat pumps if the capacity and stability of the electrical loading was a concern.

Why was the client delighted?
The Client was thrilled to receive the report as it offered significant savings (around £200,000) for the works connecting the development to utilities, with no decrease in capacity for the ICP Connection option. The Report was delivered in a timely manner, and all communication with connection providers, DNOs, IDNOs and other relevant parties was handled by Apogee, enabling the client to make an informed decision to their timescales without being burdened by extra administrative work.

About the client:
Minster Property are a Developer specialising in Affordable Housing and Commercial & Retail Developments based in Leicestershire. By engaging with stakeholders at an early stage, be it local authorities, local residents or contractors, Minster ensure the needs of all parties are met and projects delivered to meet their objectives. With this approach, Minster’s experience in development can be merged with the experience and knowledge of other parties to aid each development.

What did the client say (Testimonial)
“We have always found Apogee’s feasibility study work to be exemplary and the work they did to resolve our £500k quotation at Sutton Benger was superb. If you have a problem around utilities we highly recommend Apogee”. – Head of Development, Minster Property.

Who else would buy this?
Apogee’s consultancy reports are ideal for Solicitors, Clients and Project Managers, Developers, Local Authorities Consultants, Architects, Design & Build Contractors, Highways Scheme promoters and Surveyors. Anyone involved with a residential or commercial development who would benefit from understanding the risks and costs which come from utilities would be well placed to talk to us. Even if you are not the source of funds for the development and costs savings are of secondary importance to you, Apogee can help you avoid other inconveniences such as delays, and reduce the risk of any accidents or strikes of existing plant, as well as improve due diligence and help you achieve compliance under the relevant guidelines and regulations, namely PAS128 and HSG47. Apogee have decades of experience in managing such conflicts across their capable team, a member of whom was on the PAS128 steering committee and who was personally involved in the drafting of PAS128 Quality Level D.