Introduction
Case Study: New Foul Water Sewer Connection, Seaspray Developments Ltd
Project Name: New Foul Water Sewer Connection
Client: Seaspray Developments Ltd
Location: Rear of 31–33 Hillcrest Road, Kenley, CR3 0DN
Date: June 2025
Duration: 1 week (including licence coordination)
Client Overview
Seaspray Developments Ltd is a London-based property development company specialising in high-quality residential construction. For a new residential project located to the rear of 31–33 Hillcrest Road, Kenley (CR3 0DN), the client required a new foul water sewer connection to service the property in compliance with Thames Water and Croydon Council regulations.
Project Overview
Express Commercial Solutions was commissioned by Seaspray Developments Ltd to design and deliver a new foul water connection linking a newly constructed property to the existing public sewer network. The works formed a critical early stage in the development’s utilities infrastructure, requiring close coordination with local authorities and service providers to ensure compliance, safety, and efficiency.
Scope of Work
The works included the excavation, installation, and connection of a 100mm foul water line into an existing 150mm clay sewer within Hilltop Road. The following key activities were undertaken:
- Shaft excavation to a depth not exceeding 1.6m over the existing 150mm clay sewer.
- Removal of a section of the existing sewer and installation of a preformed clay oblique Y-junction with a 100mm outlet, subject to Thames Water Section 106 approval.
- Open-cut trench excavation for up to 8 metres to a location 1 metre inside the property boundary.
- Installation of 8 metres of 100mm clay pipework, aligned and laid to the correct fall and gradient.
- Shingle surround for pipe protection and backfill using Type 1 granular material.
- Removal and disposal of surplus spoil from site.
- Collaboration with other contractors to allow subsequent installation of the watermain and power supply within the same trench.
Regulatory Compliance
To complete the connection, Express Commercial Solutions coordinated with the relevant authorities to secure the following statutory consents and permits:
- Thames Water Section 106 – Consent to Connect
- Croydon Council Section 50 Licence to excavate within the public highway
- Temporary Traffic Management Order (TTMO) for partial road closure and safe working area
- Road Bond submission to Croydon Council as a guarantee for reinstatement works
Challenges
- Coordination with Multiple Authorities:
The project required precise scheduling with both Thames Water and Croydon Council to secure licences and minimise delays. - Shared Trench Management:
As multiple utilities were to be installed in the same trench, the excavation depth and backfill sequence required careful planning to accommodate other contractors’ works. - Traffic Management:
Given the residential location, safe traffic flow and pedestrian access were maintained through a Priority Working Traffic Management System, approved by the council.
Health and Safety
All works were conducted under strict adherence to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and associated HSE regulations.
This included:
- Detailed risk assessments and method statements for each phase of work.
- Continuous site supervision and safety briefings.
- Mandatory PPE usage including hard hats, high-visibility clothing, gloves, and eye protection.
- Implementation of safe working zones to protect both workers and the public.
Outcome
The foul water sewer connection was completed safely, on schedule, and within the estimated budget.
Express Commercial Solutions successfully delivered a compliant, robust drainage connection that met all regulatory standards and client expectations. The collaboration between the utility providers, local authority, and the client ensured a seamless installation process.
Key Project Details
Conclusion
This project exemplifies Express Commercial Solutions expertise in regulated drainage and utility connections, showcasing their ability to manage complex, multi-party infrastructure works with precision and compliance.
Through effective planning, regulatory coordination, and safe delivery, the project provided Seaspray Developments Ltd with a fully functional foul water connection, ready to support the completion of their residential development.
