Breaking Ground in Swavesey – The Journey to Site Start

We’re delighted to announce that our latest project in Swavesey, Cambridgeshire has officially started on site!

For our team at Elsworth Projects, the first day on site is always a milestone moment - it’s where all the planning, paperwork, design work, and coordination come together, and the vision starts to become reality.

But while the diggers and hard hats might be the visible start, the truth is, the journey to reach this stage is months in the making. In this blog, we’re lifting the lid on everything that happens behind the scenes before construction begins.

1. Planning & Permissions

No project can break ground without careful planning. In Swavesey, we:

• Completed all architectural and design work, defining roles and responsibilities in a formal matrix.

• Reviewed the planning status and addressed every pre-construction planning condition.

• Checked land ownership, covenants, and potential ransom strips.

• Confirmed our Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) exemption status and submitted the claim where applicable.

2. Insurance, Warranty & Building Control

Protection and compliance are essential from day one. Before work started:

• Our warranty provider was appointed to cover the project.

• Comprehensive site insurance was put in place for the full build period.

• Our building control provider was appointed and full plans approval granted.

3. Project Management Foundations

Behind every successful build is strong project management. We:

• Set up a detailed budget, programme, and cashflow forecast.

• Reviewed the client’s budget against the latest cost estimates.

• Created a risk register and construction phase plan.

• Established systems for managing variations, payments, and shared documentation.

4. Design & Technical Reviews

Before the first brick is laid, we ensure every drawing and detail is aligned:

• Architectural and engineering drawings were thoroughly reviewed.

• Site surveys were checked against the design for accuracy.

• Service layouts for heating, ventilation, renewable energy systems, and EV charging were coordinated.

• All designs were confirmed as compliant with both planning conditions and building regulations.

5. Health, Safety & Site Setup

Safety and efficiency are built into the project from the outset:

• Health & Safety files were prepared and the HSE notified.

• Welfare facilities, site access, security measures, and delivery arrangements were planned.

• Site layout was agreed, including storage areas, scaffolding requirements, and temporary services.

6. Services & Contractors

Bringing together the right team and resources is key:

• We identified all utility requirements and obtained quotations for new connections.

• Contractors and specialists were appointed after reviewing quotes, T&Cs, and timelines.

• Pre-start meetings were held to ensure everyone was ready for day one.

Looking Ahead

Reaching the start-on-site stage is a major achievement for any build, and this project in Swavesey is no exception. From here, we’ll see the structure take shape, milestones reached, and the client’s vision become reality.

We’ll be sharing updates as the project progresses — so keep an eye on our news section and social channels for the latest from site.

Here’s to a smooth, safe, and successful build in Swavesey!