Percolation Tests for Planning Applications in Burgess Hill
2 min readBurgess HillBy AA Drainage
Projects in Burgess Hill, from single plots to small developments, often stall because drainage information is missing. A percolation test early on keeps things moving.
Why planners ask for it
Councils want evidence that surface water and any treated effluent can be managed on site without increasing flood risk. Percolation results feed into the drainage strategy for your application.
Doing it at the right time
To avoid delays:
- Test before final drawings are fixed
- Test where the soakaway or drainage field will actually go
- Allow for seasonal groundwater, especially in winter
- Share the report with your architect and engineer
Clay soils in Mid Sussex
Burgess Hill has a lot of clay, which often drains slowly. If results are poor, alternatives such as attenuation tanks with a controlled outflow or treatment plants can be designed in from the start.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do my own percolation test?
Some homeowners do, but a professional report is usually more readily accepted.
Is the test weather dependent?
Very wet or frozen ground can affect results, so we plan timing carefully.