Gold Street, Desborough
housing partner
Working with Amplius HG delivering 35 affordable homes, transforming a redundant industrial to a new neighbourhood supporting local housing needs.
delivery
Snowdon managed demolition, asbestos removal and contamination remediation before constructing the new homes within an established residential area.
Procurement Partnership
Together with Amplius and our longstanding design partner, Welland Design & Build, brought together technical, design and construction expertise to deliver this challenging brownfield redevelopment.
Our Process
Site Context and Constraints
The site comprised a former industrial complex located within a densely populated residential area. It was bounded on all sides by existing housing, with restricted access, Tree Preservation Orders, non‑adopted boundaries and third‑party land dependencies. These constraints required early due diligence, careful sequencing of works and proactive engagement with neighbours and stakeholders.
Demolition and Site Clearance
Redevelopment required the demolition of multiple former industrial buildings, some of which had a long history of commercial and engineering use. The demolition phase was particularly sensitive due to proximity to neighbouring dwellings, limited working space and strict controls on noise, dust and vibration.
A detailed demolition methodology was implemented, including phased demolition, protection of adjoining structures and controlled material removal, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance throughout.
Asbestos Identification and Removal
Pre‑demolition surveys identified asbestos‑containing materials within several structures. Licensed asbestos contractors were appointed to undertake removal works under controlled conditions, with independent air testing and certification completed prior to demolition progressing.
Contamination, Oil Tanks and Environmental Remediation
Ground investigations confirmed areas of made ground and contamination consistent with historic industrial use. This included hydrocarbon‑affected soils and the presence of legacy oil storage tanks.
A comprehensive remediation strategy was implemented, including the decommissioning and removal of oil tanks, removal of contaminated material, capping of garden areas and validation testing. These works were carefully sequenced to maintain programme certainty and regulatory compliance.
Ground Conditions and Foundation Strategy
Variable ground conditions across the site necessitated a robust foundation solution. Following detailed ground investigation and structural assessment, a vibro piling and ground improvement strategy was adopted.
This solution mitigated settlement risk associated with made ground, allowed efficient construction and provided long‑term structural performance across the development.
Drainage Strategy and Off‑Site Foul Connection
The drainage strategy represented a key technical and third‑party challenge. Surface water was managed through a sustainable drainage approach incorporating permeable road construction and on‑site attenuation to control runoff rates and exceedance.
Foul drainage required an off‑site connection to existing infrastructure crossing third‑party land. This dependency introduced legal, programme and coordination risk, requiring early negotiation of rights, detailed design coordination and close liaison with statutory undertakers and landowners.
Highways and Section 278 Works
Access to the development required works within the public highway, delivered under a Section 278 agreement. These works included modifications to the Gold Street access, compliance with road safety audits, visibility requirements and coordination with the local highway authority.
Section 278 approvals formed part of the critical path and required disciplined management of technical submissions, inspections and sequencing to align with the wider construction programme.
Planning and Statutory Agreements
The planning application was determined by committee and involved significant scrutiny, public engagement and negotiation. The development was subject to a comprehensive Section 106 agreement securing affordable housing, financial contributions and on‑site public open space.
In addition to Section 106 and Section 278, the scheme required careful management of statutory conditions relating to drainage, contamination, ecology and highways, all of which influenced programme and sequencing.
January 2024
July 2024
January 2025
October 2025
Testimonial
