Site Selection and Investigation: A Practical Handbook

Selecting a site for industrial development requires not only careful research and planning but extensive analysis and investigation. This book sets out to encourage those involved in this process to deal with the problems arising when selecting sites for commercial, industrial and civil engineering projects. Much of the land currently available for development, particularly in inner city areas, is neglected and there is considerable potential for the use of old industrial regions, derelict areas, inner city areas, contaminated land sites in addition to the existing "enterprise zones". However, before embarking on a development project considerable investigation is required to assess the suitability of the site, the extent of the costs that may be incurred and in checking any legal or planning restrictions. This book explains in detail the course an investigation should take and outlines all the necessary procedures for conducting a comprehensive survey of a development site. It stresses the need for a thorough soil investigation prior to the design of foundations and also sets out the procedures for obtaining planning permission. In addition, there are chapters included on contract conditions, and the role of land registry in the verification of land titles and boundary matters. Finally a very useful appendix provides a checklist of considerations for selecting and comparing sites. This aims to be a source of reference for developers seeking land for factories, process plant, offices, housing estates and to professionals working with engineering consultants, architects, estate agents, financial institutions and contractors.