The construction of a new water feature normally starts with a walk over of the site with the Client to discuss the possibilities available. At that point we can provide a written budget price that will identify the main areas of work and order of costs.
The process then may include a topographic survey of the site to produce a site plan, development of drawings to show the lake and specific construction details. A hydraulic model may need to be considered to calculate the maximum amount of flow that will enter the lake in a flood event, this information is required to size the overflow structures.
The budget price will then be reviewed to give a firm quotation as the plans become finalised and the scope of works are agreed.
Permission to construct the lake may be required from the planning authority (change of use of the land) unless it is in a garden, and Flood Defence consent from the Environment Agency. This may require additional information in the form of Environmental Impact Assessments and Flood Risk Assessments as well as copies of the drawings and construction method statements.
When this consenting process is complete then the construction work can start, with stripping the site of top-soil, carrying out the earthworks, building the water control structures and installation of bridges, decks, jetties or boat-houses, then final trimming, shaping and topsoiling. The lake will then be allowed to fill as the area is landscaped, aquatic planting is carried out and fish stock are introduced.
We can carry out the whole or any part of the process outlined above, including applying for consents and permissions, design, construction, planting and stocking.
Lakes may be constructed either "in the ground" or behind a dam or embankment. If a dam retains more than 25,000m3 of water then it is subject to the legislation of the Reservoirs Act, which places duties on the owner of periodic inspection and maintenance. As a result of the extreme summer rainfall events over the past few years, the EA intend to reduce the impoundment volume threshold to 10,000m3.
For more information or to discuss your particular requirements call Chris Keech on 01460 279200.