When you’re planning a development, it’s natural to have questions about what support you need and how the process works. To make things easier, we’ve answered some of the most common queries our clients ask us about civil engineering design, surveys, and planning support. 
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, don’t worry — our team is just a call or email away and will be happy to help. 

Q: What does a civil engineering consultancy do? 

A civil engineering consultancy provides the technical designs and assessments needed for developments to move forward. At Albion, this includes drainage design, flood risk assessments, highway design, earthworks strategies, planning support, and surveys. We help you meet planning requirements, reduce risk, and keep projects on track. 

Q: Do I need a flood risk assessment for my project? 

You usually need a flood risk assessment (FRA) if your site is within a flood zone or larger than 1 hectare in size. Local planning authorities and the Environment Agency often require an FRA before granting permission. Albion can prepare these reports, supported by hydraulic modelling and clear mitigation strategies, to satisfy regulators. 

Q: How long will it take to get my report or design? 

One of the biggest frustrations in the industry is long waiting times. Larger firms often take months to deliver reports. At Albion, we pride ourselves on a fast, responsive turnaround, with most reports and designs completed within weeks, depending on project complexity. 

Q: What areas do you cover? 

We are based in Yorkshire and typically work across the North of England, including Hull, East Yorkshire, Leeds, York, Harrogate, and Newcastle. While most projects are regional, we can also support clients across the wider UK where needed. 

Q: Can you help with planning applications? 

Yes. Albion provides technical support for planning applications, including drainage strategies, flood risk assessments, highway layouts, and swept path analysis. We ensure submissions are robust, compliant, and more likely to gain approval first time. 

Q: Do you work with small projects as well as larger developments? 

Absolutely. We support everything from domestic extensions requiring a flood risk assessment to large multi-plot housing schemes needing full drainage, highway, and earthworks design. No matter the size, we bring the same level of detail and reliability. 

Q: What makes Albion different from larger consultancies? 

Many larger consultancies have long backlogs and can’t deliver quickly. Albion offers a personal, responsive, and approachable service, giving you direct access to experienced engineers and fast turnaround times without compromising on quality. 

Q: Do you carry out surveys and site testing? 

Yes. We offer a range of surveys and testing services, including topographical surveys, CCTV drainage inspections, infiltration (BRE 365) tests, and percolation tests. These provide the accurate data you need to make informed design decisions. 

Q: What sectors do you work in? 

We work across a wide range of industries, including residential, commercial, industrial, manufacturing, healthcare, education, energy, transport, ports, defence, and high-rise developments. Our flexible expertise means we can adapt to the needs of each sector. 

Q: How can I get a quote? 

with details of your project. We’ll review your requirements and provide a clear, no-obligation quote. 

Still have questions? 

Talk to an engineer today and find out how Albion Consulting Engineers can support your project.