Detailed UXO Risk Assessment

A Detailed Risk Assessment (Stage 2 under CIRIA C681) is required when a Preliminary Risk Assessment returns a moderate or high risk rating, or when a planning authority or insurer specifically requests a site-specific assessment. It is also appropriate where proposed works involve deep excavations, piling, or activities in areas of documented wartime bombing or ordnance storage.

A Detailed Risk Assessment goes significantly further than the desk study. It involves analysis of bomb census maps, RAF aerial photography, Luftwaffe sortie records, post-war ordnance disposal records, site investigation data, and a review of proposed construction methodology. This produces an ordnance-specific risk model for your site, including the types of UXO most likely to be present, assessed burial depths, and residual hazard zones.

The report provides a full site history, an ordnance threat assessment specific to your location, a risk matrix for each construction activity, maximum burial depths for relevant ordnance types, and a clear set of mitigation recommendations. Where a physical survey is warranted, it will specify the survey methodology, coverage requirements, and detection depth needed to discharge the risk to ALARP.

Typically three to five working days from instruction, depending on site complexity and the availability of archive materials. For large or complex sites (multiple zones, mixed development types, or areas with significant wartime activity) allow up to two weeks. We will give you a firm programme at the point of commission.

Yes. The report is produced to CIRIA C681 standard and is written in a format suitable for direct submission to a local planning authority as evidence of compliance with a UXO pre-commencement condition. We can liaise directly with the planning officer or their appointed consultant if required.

If the report recommends a physical survey (magnetometry, CPT intrusive investigation, or a combination), we will scope that work and provide a fixed-price proposal. If the report concludes that the risk is ALARP without physical survey (for example, where works are shallow or the threat is low-probability), we issue a formal ALARP closure statement that satisfies your documentation requirements.