Waiting on the warrant

Although the site has planning permission, whereby the council agrees the general purpose and appearance of the proposed building, we also need a Building Warrant for this type of building. This is a much more detailed examination of the building structure (will it withstand the weather and loadings?) the external works (will the car park be strong enough? will it drain adequately?) and the internal services (adequate ventilation? fire precautions? energy conservation and environmental impact?). This is conducted by the council and requires some back and forth questioning to the design team.

In the mean time, the site team managed some remedial works to the adjacent Murieston Medical Practice car park, including an investigation of the poorly draining area to the South East.

The problem that was stopping the water from draining was identified and is now fixed.

An area that the delivery truck was using to drop off at the pharmacy was also strengthened, removing the cracked paving slabs.

Whilst these useful tasks have been completed, we are keen to take advantage of the good Scottish summer to dig the foundations. So the good news from West Lothian Council is that the building warrant should be with us this week, for the formal start.