News & insights

Thames Water Property Searches (TWPS) is delighted to announce that it has added Bomb Search, Landmark’s preliminary and detailed unexploded ordnance threat and risk assessment reports to its portfolio. 

Conveyancers working with developers, individuals building a new house, or those undertaking building work (such as extensions to residential or commercial properties) in areas where bombing has historically taken place are strongly advised to add the reports to their standard bundles. 

The preliminary report is an initial screening that determines potential dangers. If identified, clients can order the detailed version, which analyses all factors to provide a semi-quantitative report that meets the requirements of the risk assessment framework outlined in the Construction Industry Research And Information Association’s (CIRIA) “Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) – A Guide for the Construction Industry” C681 report. 

Although the likelihood of an inadvertent detonation is low, the presence of an item of UXO can have significant implications. If sites with potential UXO risks are not managed properly, it can lead to project delays and increased costs, which is why proactive risk assessment is so important.

For example in March 2017, an unexploded 500lb bomb from World War Two was unearthed at a construction site in Brondesbury Park, North London. The discovery prompted evacuations and caused delays to the project, as well as making national headlines. 

Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident. Official figures show that approximately 15,000 items of ordnance were discovered at UK construction sites between 2006-2008. These items ranged from mortar rounds to high explosive aerial delivered German bombs.

“Both Bomb Search reports are vital tools for conveyancers because they show both the probability of encounter as well as the consequence of any encounter,” says Phil Hill, Account Manager at Landmark.

“No one can say for sure whether a device will be found,” adds Phil. “However, adequate mitigation measures can be put in place if the client has been forewarned that the possibility of discovery is high. Clients will be health and safety compliant while avoiding excessive delays and any associated increase in costs should any UXO be found, especially during site investigation and groundwork phases.”

The Bomb Search preliminary report is priced at £195 exc VAT, while the Bomb Search detailed report is priced at £1,095.00 exc VAT. 

To find out more about how these reports can benefit your business call us on 0800 009 4540.