FAQs

A desktop utility search is used by professionals involved in planning, designing and carrying out works where recorded underground infrastructure may affect a site. This includes site appraisal, design development, pre-excavation planning and construction activities.

Typical users include:

• Architects, engineers and surveyors.
• Developers and planning consultants.
• Contractors and groundworkers.
• Site investigation and ground engineering companies.
• Pre-excavation and enabling works contractors.
• Renewable energy and EV charging installers.

In most cases, obtaining utility records is one of the first steps in understanding a site.

A utility search helps identify recorded underground infrastructure within and around a site before design work, construction, maintenance or excavation activities begin. Understanding potential constraints early supports informed decision-making and can help avoid unexpected issues later in the process.

It also provides valuable information when considering whether further investigation may be required.

A Type D Survey (QL-D) is the desktop utility records search stage defined within PAS 128:2022.

It involves gathering and reviewing utility records supplied by relevant asset owners to identify recorded underground infrastructure within and around a search area.

Our Comprehensive Utility Search is prepared in accordance with PAS 128:2022 and HSG47 guidance and fulfils the requirements of a Type D Survey (QL-D).

Our Core Utility Search is a utility records search covering key underground utility providers, but it is not prepared in accordance with PAS 128:2022 or HSG47 guidance and should not be considered a Type D Survey (QL-D).

A Type D Survey is commonly used during site appraisal, design development, pre-excavation planning and before considering whether further investigation may be required.

The Core Utility Search covers key underground utility providers, including:

• Electricity distribution networks (DNOs and IDNOs).
• Gas networks (GDNs and IGTs).
• Water mains & sewerage.
• Openreach telecommunications.

The Comprehensive Utility Search is prepared in accordance with PAS 128:2022 and HSG47 guidance and includes enquiries to relevant statutory and independent asset owners identified within the search area.

Depending on the location and available infrastructure, this may include:

• Gas and electricity networks.
• Water and sewerage providers.
• Telecommunications and fibre operators.
• Independent utility networks.
• District Heat Networks.
• Pipeline operators.
• Transport infrastructure owners.

If you're unsure which service is right for your site, we recommend viewing our sample reports. They provide a clear comparison of the information included within each report and can help you decide which option best suits your requirements.

No problem.

Our Bespoke Service covers larger sites and specialist requirements that fall outside our standard search options. Simply send us the details and we'll provide a tailored quotation.

If you're unsure which service best suits your site, we'll be happy to advise.

Because every search is reviewed individually rather than treated as a generic automated search or tick-box exercise.

Our reports are prepared by a ProQual Level 3 qualified Utility Mapping and Surveying specialist who carefully reviews each site boundary and requirement before identifying the relevant asset owners.

We actively monitor developments across the utility sector, including new utility networks, independent providers and infrastructure operators, helping to ensure our searches remain comprehensive and relevant as the industry evolves.

We consider both statutory and independent infrastructure providers, including less common utility networks that may affect a site.

You'll receive:

• A clear and professionally prepared report.
• Careful review of utility records relevant to your site.
• Fixed service fees.
• Zero markup on third-party disbursements.
• Direct communication throughout the process.
• Access to utility plans as they are received, without waiting for the completed report.

Our aim is simple: to provide thorough, practical utility information that helps you understand the recorded infrastructure affecting your site.

Complete our quotation form with your site details and boundary information.

We aim to issue quotations as quickly as possible during office hours, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Your quotation will clearly show:

• Our service fee.
• Any third-party disbursements.
• The total cost of the service.

If you have any questions, please email sales@c2reports.co.uk.

Typically we require:

• Site address and postcode.
• A site reference (if applicable).
• Easting and Northing coordinates.
• A site boundary plan.

You can upload a site plan showing the search boundary or mark out the search area using our online map.

Providing a clear site boundary is particularly important for a desktop utility search, as it allows us to identify the relevant utility asset owners and assess records against the correct search area.

Information about the proposed works, site use or intended development can also be extremely helpful when identifying utility infrastructure that may be relevant to the search.

Every site is different.

The total cost depends on the utility asset owners identified within the search area and whether any charges apply for supplying records.

Third-party disbursements are passed on at cost with zero markup, and our own service fee remains fixed.

You can view our service fees here.

Utility record requirements vary significantly between sites.

Some asset owners provide records free of charge, whilst others apply their own fees. In many cases it is not possible to know exactly which asset owners will need to be contacted until the site has been reviewed.

By quoting each site individually, we can provide a fair and transparent price based on the actual requirements of the search area rather than using estimates, allowances or hidden markups.

Once payment has been received, we begin requesting records from the relevant asset owners.

As responses arrive, we review them against the site boundary and compile the information into a clear PDF report.

Utility plans are uploaded to a shared folder as they are received, allowing you to review information during the search process without waiting for the final report to be completed.

Payment can be made by card or bank transfer.

Because utility record requests are submitted shortly after payment to maintain our delivery times, cancellations can only be accepted within the following periods:

• Comprehensive Utility Search (Standard): within 48 hours of payment.
• Comprehensive Utility Search (Express): within 24 hours of payment.
• Core Utility Search: within 24 hours of payment.

Service fees paid within these periods will be refunded. Any disbursements already incurred and payment processing fees cannot be refunded.

Your statutory consumer rights remain unaffected.

Full details are available within our Terms & Conditions.

Comprehensive Utility Searches are normally delivered within 5 to 10 working days, or within 3 working days when the Express option is selected.

Core Utility Searches are typically completed within 3 working days, although the standard service window is up to 10 working days.

Where an asset owner has not responded before the report deadline, the enquiry will be clearly identified as pending. We will continue to follow up outstanding enquiries and update the report where appropriate.

No.

A desktop utility search gathers and reviews records held by utility asset owners, providing an overview of the recorded underground infrastructure within and around a search area.

An on-site utility survey uses physical detection techniques to identify and map underground services present on the ground. Depending on the scope of the survey, this may include electromagnetic locating equipment, ground penetrating radar and other survey techniques.

The two approaches serve different purposes. A desktop utility search identifies relevant utility asset owners and the records they hold, whilst an on-site utility survey seeks to verify and locate utilities present within the survey area.

Desktop utility searches are commonly used during site appraisal, design development and pre-excavation planning, and can help inform decisions about whether further investigation may be required.

Utility records are supplied by individual asset owners and vary in age, quality and level of detail.

The plans provided should generally be considered indicative rather than an exact representation of utility locations.

In many cases, records show main utility apparatus but may not depict every service connection, private service or asset present within a site. Utility apparatus may also deviate from the routes shown on utility records, and records may not always reflect recent installations, alterations or diversions.

Each utility asset owner supplies information subject to its own limitations, terms and disclaimers, and no warranty is provided regarding the completeness or accuracy of the records supplied.

For this reason, utility records should always be considered alongside other available site information and, where appropriate, further investigation should be undertaken before excavation or intrusive works commence.