Working with McLaren at Bolsover, Derbyshire
CAN delivered a low-carbon slope stabilisation solution at Buttermilk Lane, creating additional lorry parking. The alternative design provided long-term stability and demonstrated a more sustainable approach to geotechnical engineering.
At Buttermilk Lane, Long Duckmanton, a 60° cut slope needed stabilisation to create additional articulated lorry parking. The original proposal of driven steel sheet piles would have provided stability but at the cost of a high carbon footprint due to extensive steel use and heavy machinery. A low-carbon solution was required that maintained safety, parking capacity, and compliance with site boundaries.
CAN developed a sustainable alternative using self-drilling soil nails with a flexible mesh facing. Sub-horizontal drains, erosion matting, and hydroseeding were included to manage groundwater and protect the slope while promoting vegetation. Soil nail lengths were carefully planned to stay within site boundaries, and high-tensile mesh provided durable surface protection. The design focused on combining engineering performance with environmental responsibility, minimising steel use, and reducing construction impact wherever possible.
The project successfully stabilised the slope while significantly reducing embodied carbon compared with the original sheet piling approach. The solution maintained safe geometry and adequate parking capacity, while improving the appearance and environmental footprint of the site. This project highlights CAN’s expertise in delivering practical, low-carbon geotechnical solutions that balance safety, functionality, and sustainability in challenging environments.
