Early-stage site assessments urgently needed for developments in Barnstaple and Exeter

What do they need help with?

As part of the expansion of its Gap Homes programme, Barnardo’s is progressing two new potential development opportunities in Devon, one in Barnstaple and one in Exeter. These sites offer an exciting chance to grow the charity’s innovative model of supported housing for care-experienced young people aged 16-17.

Barnardo’s is seeking pro bono support from property professionals to assist with a range of early-stage technical surveys and assessments.

For the Barnstaple site, the following investigations are required:

Initial (Phase 1) Surveys:

• Invasive weed identification (walkover survey)
• Topographical survey (to assess levels, drainage, trees and boundaries)
• Statutory authority/utility searches (provider mapping)
• Water and drainage mapping (commercial report on below-ground infrastructure)
• Phase 1 desktop study (site history and previous uses)
• Ecology survey (due to the established hedge on site)
• Adjacencies search (to determine ownership of roads and infrastructure)

Follow-up (Phase 2) and Specialist Surveys:

• Phase 2 intrusive site investigation
• Gas monitoring (if required following pre-planning discussions)
• Ecology survey (early engagement due to seasonal constraints)
• Arboricultural survey (early engagement due to seasonal constraints)
• CCTV drainage survey (to assess sewer connections)
• Transport statement (if needed to demonstrate travel impact)
• Flood risk assessment (location-dependent)
• Percolation test (to inform attenuation requirements)
• Condition survey (walkover to assess site condition)
• Utility mapping (if required and records unavailable)

For the Exeter site, Barnardo’s is seeking comparable early-stage surveys and assessments, with details to be confirmed as the project progresses.

These technical insights are essential for assessing site viability, planning risks and informing sound investment decisions – all of which will enable Barnardo’s to deliver high-quality, secure homes for young people transitioning out of the care system.

Each cluster of Gap Homes includes a staff-supported residence and provides young people with tailored, 24/7 support in a nurturing environment. This request is a key step in Barnardo’s wider ambition to deliver 50 new homes across the UK over three years.

Timeline

As soon as possible

About the organisation

Barnardo’s is the UK’s largest children’s charity, with over 150 years of experience supporting vulnerable children and young people. Operating more than 800 services across the country, Barnardo’s reaches hundreds of thousands of children, parents and carers each year, tackling issues such as abuse, exploitation, poverty, disability and mental health challenges.

In 2023 alone, Barnardo’s supported over 373,000 people. One of its key programmes is Gap Homes, which provides stable, affordable housing with wraparound support for care-experienced young people aged 16-17. Designed to fill the transitional ‘gap’ between care and independent living, the homes are built in small clusters and staffed 24/7. The programme is already underway across the UK and is now expanding to new areas like Devon.

https://www.barnardos.org.uk