Our specialist division Brandon Hire, can offer you all the essential equipment you will need to make your task easier to complete.

From clearing the site to excavating footings, waterproofing to backfilling and compaction, Brandon Hire have the right tool hire for the job. Open a Brandon Hire Trade Account

Clearing the landscaping

You will need to assess if there are any other site obstructions which will need removing to allow building works to commence - if you are removing trees you should check that there are no Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) in place.

The Planning Service, an Agency within the Department of the Environment is responsible for the making and enforcing of Tree Preservation Orders TPOs which may be used to protect trees, groups of trees or woodlands, which add to the character and appearance of an area.

What is a TPO?

A TPO provides protection for those trees specified in the order and makes it an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot or wilfully damage or destroy a tree, or permit these actions, without first seeking the Department’s consent to do so.

It is a criminal offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully destroy or damage a tree in a manner likely to destroy it, without the Department’s consent, and, on summary conviction you could be fined up to £30,000 (and on conviction on indictment, to an unlimited fine). In determining the fine, the Court may take into account any financial benefit which appears likely to have accrued as a result of the offence. It will also be the duty of the landowner to plant replacement trees of appropriate size and species in the same location as soon as reasonably possible.

Landfill Tax

Since 1996 a tax has been applied to tip spoil at a licensed pit.
Landfill Tax is a tax on the disposal of waste. Since 1996 rate of £2 per tonne if spoil is classed as inert and up to £15 per tonne if it has man-made detritus in it. For more information please consult the HMRC Customs website.

Radon

Are you aware that in some areas of the country you could be affected by Radon?

Radon is an invisible, odourless gas produced from the radioactive decay of uranium, which occurs naturally in all earth materials such as rock, soil, brick and concrete. It poses no risk outdoors as it disperses rapidly in the open air.

However, it tends to accumulate in confined spaces and can build to high levels indoors (particularly in basements and ground floors). Prolonged inhalation may lead to small solid particles being deposited on the surface of the lungs which can pose a serious threat to health and may lead to lung cancer. The presence of Radon in domestic dwellings is therefore a major concern.  Learn more on the federation of master builders website.