Extracted quotes below:

The site conditions must also be suitable. It is advisable to consult the Environment Agency and the local planning authority about the site at the initial planning stage.

Stores can be built below, above or part below/above ground level.

• Avoid sites in a flood plain or sites with a high water table.

• Check proximity of water table and fluctuations in depth over a period of time.

• Avoid improperly filled ground or other unsuitable ground conditions.

• Investigate geology of the site:- sub-strata types, presence of faults or irregularities in substrata, evidence of mining.

• Use trial holes to sample soil properties and obtain soil profiles at various depths over the site.

• The outside edge of the embankment must be at least 10 metres from a water-course (See References 6 & 7).

An investigation to assess the suitability of the soils on site should be undertaken. The two most important factors to consider are:-

• Permeability – A maximum permeability of 10-9 metres per second extending to a depth of at least one metre over the whole of the site must be achievable.

• Stability – The soil must be suitable to form stable embankments while maintaining the required permeability under all conditions

The selection of a soil to meet the above requirements should only be entrusted to suitably qualified experts e.g. chartered civil engineers. It may be necessary to obtain samples over the whole site area at various depths and to carry out laboratory tests to determine the suitability of soils.