Quick Tips: How can clients ensure successful integration of utility infrastructure?
Utility infrastructure is a critical component of any development project, yet it’s often one of the most complex and time-sensitive elements to manage. To help clients navigate this challenge, we asked members of the Brookbanks team to share their top tips for ensuring successful integration of utilities into development sites. Here’s what they said...
Engage with us Early
Nicole Harrison, Principal Utilities Consultant
“Engaging with us early will allow us to advise on the existing utilities infrastructure across a site. This will feed into the masterplan and identify any constraints, such as HC send off distances. It also put costs against any required diversions due to the existing infrastructure.”
Engage Early with Utility Providers
Caroline Gavin, Principal Utilities Consultant
“Early engagement with utility providers is essential. Establishing points of connection at the outset helps avoid costly delays and ensures that your development programme stays on track. The sooner you start these conversations, the better prepared you’ll be to manage time and cost risks.”
Build Strong Relationships with ICPs and IDNOs
Danny Lloyd-Jones, Associate Utilities Director
“Independent Connection Providers (ICPs) and Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) can offer competitive solutions for new infrastructure. Building strong relationships with these partners ensures you achieve best value and identify the most efficient options during tendering.”
Manage Utility Contracts Throughout the Lifecycle
Mat Capper, Director of Utilities
“Utility integration doesn’t end once contracts are signed. Continuous management is vital to ensure costs and capacities are effectively distributed across development parcels and remain aligned with the original appointment. Ongoing oversight helps maintain control and avoid surprises.”
Start Utility Work Early
Tobi Heng, Associate Utilities Director
“Starting utilities work early around the masterplan stage is great at helping de-risk a site. This also allows consideration of new technologies like micro-grids and district heating.”
Undertake Detailed Surveys
Robert Batsford, Principal Utilities Engineer
“Undertaking detailed surveys, such as information on GPRs and Trial holes, is important to make sure services are where they say they are.”
Look at Available Capacity
Adam Melia, Senior Utilities Consultant
“There are often many constraints in capacity, so looking at all available capacity will help get more accurate timescales for projects while reinforcement works are being undertaken.”
How Brookbanks Can Help
Our team specialises in utility strategy and delivery, working closely with clients to integrate infrastructure seamlessly into development plans. From early engagement and searches to contract management and stakeholder coordination, we provide end-to-end support to keep your project moving.
Want to learn more? Get in touch with one of our utilities specialists to discuss how we can help you optimise integration for your next development.
Team Members Featured
Senior Consultant – Utilities
Adam Melia
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Utilities Associate
Caroline Gavin
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Associate Utilities Director
Danny Lloyd-Jones
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Director of Utilities
Mat Capper
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Principal Utilities Consultant
Nicole Harrison
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Our July 2026 Newsletter
August 17, 2026
This month, we’ve continued to explore many of the key themes currently influencing the built environment, from sustainable drainage and climate resilience through to structural efficiency, site disposal and long-term project performance. A particular highlight from the past month was the publication of our new report, written in conjunction with the Home Builders Federation (HBF), examining Sustainable Drainage Systems and the opportunities we’ve identified in Wales to support greater consistency, certainty and efficiency ahead of guidance becoming legislation across England. This month, we also shared some exciting leadership news as we continue to grow and evolve following our recent partnership with CBPE. Plus, read on to take a look back at our latest thought leadership article covering development viability, as well as three podcast episodes from the past few weeks.