A SHORTAGE of suitable sites for development was the main topic of discussion at the quarterly meeting of Southern Construction and Property Breakfast Club at the Ageas Hilton Hotel.

Members agreed a diminishing choice of sites for new build projects has been made worse this decade with the demand for more housing.

Land, previously not considered realistically suitable, perhaps due to poor drainage conditions or steep gradients creating access and site flexibility issues, or problems faced with foundations on particular soil types, is now back in the acquisition brief.

Tony Boyle, director of Southampton Architects Boyle and Summers said that the challenge to build viable schemes, in any sector, almost anywhere, is tougher than ever.

“But there are solutions that can be incorporated to make what would have been an impossible locations possible, through engaging experienced designers and contractors, and using clever design and construction methods,” said Tony Boyle.

Shane Mason regional director with Acheson Construction in Chandler's Ford, and Tony Deacon, director of international property and construction consultancy company Gleeds, agreed that the preparation and planning before a project is even commissioned is the key to a successful development for all sectors from housing to industrial projects.

Nick Groves, director at Romsey based consulting civil and structural engineers WFBA said that everyone in the business has to become smarter and more creative to make the full use of available land.

“We find that it can be the projected cost of development on a site, not the ability to build, can restrict what happens in the long term. Effectively it is how you deal with the site conditions and what is below the surface that allows the project to proceed or not!”