Site Visit
We visit your site, assess what's needed, and give your drainage project the right start — no commitment, no pressure.
Whether you're planning a new build in the Ribble Valley, converting a barn near Clitheroe, or looking to connect a commercial property on the outskirts of Preston, getting the groundwork right before anything is dug matters enormously. Our free initial site visit is where that process begins — a straightforward, no-obligation appointment where we come to you, take a proper look at your land and drainage situation, and gather the information needed to move your project forward sensibly.
Drainage projects that involve new installations, mains sewer connections, or treatment plants that fall outside the General Binding Rules for small sewage discharges require careful planning before construction can begin. Those rules set out exactly when a standard domestic treatment plant or septic tank can be installed without a formal permit from the Environment Agency — and when a project steps beyond those boundaries, the pre-construction phase becomes essential. Our site visit is designed to establish which route applies to you from the outset, so there are no expensive surprises further down the line.
During the visit, one of our team will look at your site layout, the land available for drainage, any nearby watercourses, proximity to the main sewer network, ground conditions, and any other factors that could influence the design or the approvals process. For more complex projects — new build developments, commercial schemes, or situations where planning consent, Environment Agency discharge permits, or highways applications may be required — this early assessment is what shapes the entire pre-construction strategy.
Lancashire's mix of dense market towns like Burnley and Blackburn alongside deeply rural communities across the Forest of Bowland and the Fylde coast means drainage solutions genuinely vary from one postcode to the next. What works on a well-drained sandstone hillside may be entirely unsuitable on heavy clay closer to the Lune valley. Our site visit takes all of that local context into account rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Once we've gathered what we need, we'll be able to advise you clearly on what the project is likely to involve, what services you'll need, and how to get things moving. There's no jargon, no pressure, and no charge for the visit itself. It's simply the most sensible way to make sure your drainage project starts on solid ground.
Why choose Lancashire Septics Ltd
- Free, no-obligation visit to your Lancashire property — we come to you
- Covers new builds, barn conversions, commercial sites, and complex mains connections
- Early identification of General Binding Rules compliance or Environment Agency permit requirements
- Assessment of site layout, ground conditions, watercourses, and sewer proximity
- Clear, honest advice on next steps before any work or commitment is required
What's included
Domestic Site Assessment
For homeowners planning a new septic tank, sewage treatment plant, or drainage upgrade at a residential property anywhere in Lancashire — we visit, assess, and advise before any design or installation work begins.
New Build & Development Assessment
For developers, self-builders, and architects working on new build plots or multi-unit schemes, our site visit gathers the drainage and ground information needed to inform the pre-construction design and approvals process.
Commercial & Off-Mains Assessment
Commercial properties, rural businesses, and sites with more complex wastewater requirements benefit from an early visit to establish discharge options, permit routes, and any Environment Agency or planning considerations.
Mains Connection Feasibility Visit
If you're within reach of the public sewer network, we can assess whether a mains connection is viable — and advise on the highways, utility, and regulatory steps that would be involved.
Frequently asked questions
- What actually happens during a site visit?
- One of our team comes to your property and takes a thorough look at the relevant parts of your land — drainage areas, access, ground conditions, any nearby ditches or watercourses, and how far you are from the main sewer. We ask questions about your project plans and gather the detail we need to advise you properly. The visit is practical and straightforward, and we'll always explain what we're looking at and why.
- Do I need a site visit before I can get a quote?
- For construction and pre-construction services, a site visit is usually the first step — drainage work is site-specific, and an accurate quote depends on understanding what's actually there. Once we've visited and assessed your situation, we can put together a clear, considered quotation based on what your project genuinely requires rather than a rough estimate made without seeing the land.
- Is the site visit really free, and is there any obligation to proceed?
- Yes, the initial site visit is provided free of charge, and there's no obligation whatsoever to use our services afterwards. We think the best way to earn your confidence is to give you useful, honest advice upfront — if you decide to go elsewhere or hold off on the project, that's entirely your call.
- What are the General Binding Rules and why do they matter for my project?
- The General Binding Rules are the legal framework that allows certain small sewage discharges — from domestic septic tanks and sewage treatment plants — to operate without a specific permit from the Environment Agency, provided a set of conditions are met. If your project falls outside those rules, perhaps because of its scale, location, or discharge point, you'll need a formal permit before construction can start. Establishing which situation applies to you is one of the key things we look at during the site visit.
- Can you help if my project also needs planning permission or an Environment Agency permit?
- Absolutely. Where a project requires planning applications, Environment Agency discharge permits, or highways applications as part of the pre-construction process, our team can manage that work as part of a broader pre-construction package. The site visit is where we identify whether those steps will be needed and start mapping out the right route for your scheme.
- How quickly can you arrange a visit in Lancashire?
- We aim to arrange site visits as promptly as we can across the Lancashire area — from the Fylde coast and Preston through to the Ribble Valley, Pendle, and beyond. Get in touch by phone or through our online enquiry form and we'll confirm availability with you directly.
Get in touch
Tell us what you need
Fill in the form and we'll be in touch within one working day with a quote or booking slot. For emergencies please call us - it's the fastest way to get a truck on site.
Phone: +441616947241