A slope on the Weights Lane development was experiencing instability and localised slipping. Prolonged wet weather, combined with the site’s sandy soils, had caused substantial surface erosion and washout, raising concerns about the continuing stability of the slope.
Tailor Engineering, appointed by McAuliffe Group, undertook a slope-stability assessment to evaluate the ground conditions, identify the mechanisms contributing to the bank failures and consider suitable stabilisation measures.
The initial long-term concept was a hybrid structural solution comprising soil nails and a retaining wall. Engineering analysis demonstrated that this would provide a robust and durable solution to the identified stability issues.
Although the hybrid system offered an effective long-term solution, Persimmon Homes South Midlands preferred a softer and less intrusive approach based on simple slope regrading.
Tailor Engineering therefore assessed whether the slopes could be stabilised without immediately introducing substantial structural works. The resulting solution combined regrading with erosion-control measures and hydroseeding.
The recommended approach provided Persimmon Homes South Midlands with a practical, cost-effective and visually softer method of managing the immediate instability. It was designed to improve slope performance and control erosion over the short to medium term while avoiding the immediate construction of a retaining wall.
The assessed soil-nailing and retaining-wall system remained available as a robust long-term solution should permanent structural stabilisation be required in the future.
McAuliffe Group carried out all slope-regrading works on site. This included reshaping the affected banks to the revised profiles and completing the associated earthworks required to create more stable slope geometries.
The works were undertaken with careful consideration of the existing site constraints, particularly the nearby mobile mast foundation. Close coordination between McAuliffe Group and Tailor Engineering ensured that the engineering recommendations were translated into a practical and buildable site solution.
