Breckland Paving & Landscaping
Professional Groundworks & Excavation Services in Norfolk
The Foundation of Every Successful Norfolk Build
Groundworks represent the most vital phase of any construction or landscaping project. At Breckland Paving & Landscaping, we operate on the principle that your build is only as reliable as the earth it stands on. Whether you are a homeowner planning a domestic extension in Attleborough or a developer breaking ground on a new commercial site in Norfolk, our expert team provides the necessary strength and stability.
In the UK, groundworks encompass everything from site clearance to the installation of drainage and sub-bases. Neglecting the quality of these foundational elements can lead to catastrophic structural failures, such as subsidence, water ingress, or uneven paving. By choosing Breckland, you are opting to build on solid ground with specialists who prioritise long-term durability over short-term shortcuts.
Contact Breckland Paving
1. Site Clearance, Bulk Excavation & Muck-Away
Every successful project begins with a blank slate. Our site clearance services involve the removal of surface vegetation, old concrete slabs, and existing debris.
- We utilise advanced 360-degree excavators to perform bulk earthmoving, ensuring the site is levelled to the precise datum points required by your structural engineer.
- Our team manages the responsible disposal of inert and non-inert waste, adhering strictly to UK Environmental Agency regulations and waste carrier licensing.
- We specialise in “muck-away” services, ensuring that even restricted-access sites in Norfolk remain tidy and safe for subsequent trades.
- We provide detailed site stripping to remove topsoil, which is often stockpiled for later reuse in accordance with sustainable construction practices.
2. Foundation Trenching & Structural Concrete
We provide various trenching solutions tailored to the specific load-bearing requirements of your build, all compliant with Part A of the UK Building Regulations:
- Strip Foundations: The standard for traditional low-rise housing in Norfolk where the soil provides suitable bearing capacity.
- Trench Fill: A deeper, narrower trench filled with high-slump concrete, typically used in Attleborough when soil conditions are challenging or when working near protected trees to mitigate root heave.
- Raft Foundations: Utilised on “soft” ground, spreading the structural load over a reinforced concrete slab to prevent future settlement or differential movement.
- Piling Mats: For larger commercial projects, we construct stable platforms for piling rigs to ensure safe and level operation during deep-well foundation installation.
3. Civil Drainage & SuDS Compliance
In the Norfolk region, managing surface water is both a legal and practical necessity. Our drainage services ensure water is diverted away from your foundations effectively while complying with Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) requirements.
- Foul Water Infrastructure: Installation of deep-run pipes, inspection chambers, and manholes to connect your property to the mains sewer or a compliant treatment plant.
- Surface Water & Soakaways: We design and install high-capacity crate soakaways to manage heavy British rainfall, preventing localised flooding on your Patio Paving or driveway.
- Aco Drains & Linear Systems: Heavy-duty drainage channels installed to protect the Damp Proof Course (DPC) and prevent “ponding” against structural masonry.
- Land Drainage: For waterlogged Norfolk gardens, we install perforated pipe systems and French drains to lower the water table and reclaim unusable land.
4. Engineered Sub-Base Preparation
The reason many external surfaces fail is poor sub-base engineering. We ensure that every project—from the Sunken Fire Pit to heavy-duty driveways—starts with a compliant, multi-layered sub-base.
- We use high-quality MOT Type 1 or Type 3 aggregates (for permeable SuDS builds) sourced from our trusted suppliers.
- Each layer is mechanically compacted using vibrating rollers or plate compactors to eliminate air pockets, ensuring your Attleborough build remains level for decades.
- We install heavy-duty geotextile membranes to prevent “fines” from the soil migrating into the aggregate, which is a common cause of sub-base failure in Norfolk’s silty soils.
Breckland Paving & Landscaping
Technical Expertise in the Norfolk Landscape
Managing the Norfolk “Breck” Soils
The geology of Norfolk is famously varied. From the sandy, free-draining “Brecks” to the heavy, shrinkable clay pockets in the south, groundworks must be adapted to the local environment. Our experience in these areas allows us to anticipate drainage issues and soil heave before they become expensive problems for the client.
Building Regulations & Local Authority Liaison
Groundworks are subject to rigorous inspection. We work directly with Local Authority Building Control (LABC) and private inspectors across Norfolk to ensure every trench, drain, and concrete pour is signed off at the first attempt. This reduces delays and ensures your project remains fully compliant for future property sales.
Safety, Certification & Trusted Suppliers
We hold ourselves to the highest UK industry standards:
- CSCS Certified: Every member of our groundworks team is CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) qualified, ensuring they have the technical training to work safely on complex sites.
- Quality Suppliers: We maintain long-standing relationships with regional suppliers like Long Water, ensuring our concrete and aggregates meet the specific “strength classes” (e.g., GEN1 or RC35) required for your project.
- Full Insurance: We carry comprehensive Public and Employers’ Liability insurance, essential for any heavy excavation work in residential areas.
Contact Breckland Paving
Breckland Paving & Lanscaping
Get a Quote for Your Groundworks
Upgrade your garden with a stunning, scratch-resistant porcelain patio. Contact Breckland Paving today to view our sample swatches and book your free site survey.
How deep do foundations need to be in Norfolk?
Typically, a minimum of 1 metre. However, in Attleborough and surrounding areas, if we encounter clay or “made ground,” we often excavate deeper to reach a stable load-bearing strata as per UK Building Regs
Do you provide "Muck-Away" services separately?
We usually provide this as part of a full Groundworks package to ensure site efficiency, but we can arrange for grab-hire and soil removal for larger site clearances.
What is a SuDS compliant driveway?
It’s a system that allows rainwater to soak through the surface into the ground rather than into the over-burdened UK sewer system. We specialise in the groundworks required for these permeable installations.
Breckland Paving & Landscaping
Recent Transformations Across Norfolk
Our recent portfolio highlights our capability to manage complex site conditions across Norfolk and Attleborough. We don't just prepare the surface; we engineer the subterranean infrastructure that ensures project longevity.