RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Westonzoyland

Westonzoyland presents unique challenges for property purchasers. The village sits on the Somerset Levels, a flat, low-lying area with alluvial soil deposits that can experience shrink-swell movement during periods of extreme weather. The underlying geology consists largely of clay and silt deposits, which expand when wet and contract during dry periods, potentially affecting foundations and causing structural movement. Properties in this area face a genuine flood risk from the River Parrett, and the drainage systems including King's Sedgemoor Drain and the Sowy River are critical to managing water levels. A Level 3 survey specifically addresses these local environmental concerns, checking for damp penetration, flood damage history, and drainage issues that are particularly relevant to this area.

The village has 16 listed buildings, including the Grade I listed St Mary the Virgin Church and the Grade II* Westonzoyland Engine Trust Old Pumping Station, now home to the Pumping Station Museum. Many older properties feature traditional construction methods including cob walls, often with brick-casing, render, or slate coverings. These historic building techniques require specialist knowledge to assess properly, and our RICS surveyors understand the specific defects that affect these traditional structures. Cob walls, visible in properties along Lodes Lane and at Broadstone Farm, are particularly susceptible to moisture damage in areas with high water tables like the Somerset Levels. Our surveyors will check for cracking, erosion, and damp penetration that commonly affect these historic buildings.

New developments in the area include the Liney Road development by Stonewater, which delivered 43 new affordable homes including 29 for affordable rent and 14 for Shared Ownership, completed between 2021 and 2023. There are also proposals for 21 new terraced dwellings at Springway Industrial Estate on Langport Road, which would use traditional cavity wall construction with profiled tile roofs. While these newer properties may have fewer structural concerns, a Level 3 survey still provides valuable protection and identifies any construction defects that may have occurred during the build process. Even new builds can have defects related to construction quality, materials, or design that only become apparent through detailed inspection.

• Flood risk assessment
• Traditional construction analysis
• Damp and timber decay inspection
• Drainage system evaluation
• Foundation and subsidence check
• Electrical and roofing condition

The village of Westonzoyland has evolved significantly since the mid-20th century. While few properties pre-date the mid-19th century, those that do feature traditional layouts including long, low designs with cross-passage plans that were once common throughout Somerset. Local authority housing was constructed north and north-west of the church from the 1960s onwards, providing a mix of post-war and contemporary properties throughout the village. This means the housing stock spans several decades, from traditional cottages to modern developments, each with their own potential issues.

The presence of cob-walled buildings, particularly visible in Lodes Lane and at Broadstone Farm, represents a traditional building method that requires expert assessment. Cob walls are susceptible to moisture damage and structural movement, especially in areas with high water tables like the Somerset Levels. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying the specific defects that affect these traditional buildings, including cracking, erosion, and damp penetration. We understand that cob walls were often covered with brick casing, render, or slate to protect them from the elements, and we know how to assess these hidden structural elements.

The area around Langmead and Weston Level to the south of the village is designated as a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, forming part of the nationally important grazing marsh and ditch systems. This environmental designation reflects the unique character of the Somerset Levels and the importance of drainage management in the area. Properties near these wetland areas may experience additional damp and drainage issues that a Level 3 survey will identify. The historical industry of willow growing and weaving, which declined significantly after the 1950s, also influenced the local economy and property development patterns in the area.

Westonzoyland's proximity to Bridgwater makes it attractive for commuters, with the town just 4 miles away offering supermarkets, restaurants, and train services. The former airfield site has also seen some development, indicating continued growth in the area. When purchasing a property here, it's worth considering how these local factors might affect your investment in terms of both value and potential issues that may arise from the unique Somerset Levels environment.