With recent warm weather across the UK, more homeowners are choosing to spend time outdoors and make the most of their gardens. Here in Cornwall, where outdoor living is part of everyday life, swimming pools are becoming a popular way to enhance a property and create a space for relaxing, entertaining and enjoying long summer evenings. A well built pool begins with expert excavation and groundworks, and that is where our team at J Keane Plant Hire comes in.

Transforming outdoor spaces across Cornwall

One of our latest projects shows just how impressive a bespoke pool installation can be. Picture enjoying summer in Cornwall with your own swim up bar, surrounded by decking, landscaping and a design tailored to your home. Our team delivered the full groundworks package for this high end pool, managing every stage from the first dig to the final touches.

Complete groundworks package

Every successful swimming pool installation starts with accurate and well planned groundwork. For this project, our team carried out a complete package including:

• Excavation
• Pool structure construction
• Underground drainage installation
• Decking works

Working into the evening, our operators made the most of a stunning Cornish sunset while using our top of the range machines to shape the foundations for a bespoke swimming pool. You may recognise the location as the four million pound Omaze dream home on The Lizard, a project that required precision, teamwork and a high level of attention to detail.

Quality and care throughout the build

From the initial excavation to the final landscaping, this project highlights the standard of workmanship we bring to every job. We worked closely with Cornwall Pools Ltd to create a beautiful outdoor area that will be enjoyed for many years. Collaboration with trusted local trades is an important part of our approach, ensuring each stage of the build is completed safely and efficiently.

We have supported pool installations across Cornwall, from Coverack to Helston and Carbis Bay. Our services cover everything from swimming pool blockwork to full groundworks and landscaping, giving homeowners and contractors a reliable team they can depend on.

Do you need planning permission for a swimming pool?

Many homeowners ask whether planning permission is required before installing a pool. In most cases, a simple outdoor domestic pool in the rear garden does not need planning permission. As long as the pool sits within permitted development limits and does not include raised platforms, large enclosures or structures that exceed height restrictions, it can usually be installed without formal approval.

When planning permission is required

There are situations where planning permission is needed. These include:

• Listed properties
• Homes in conservation areas or AONBs
• Pools or surrounds that cover more than half of the garden
• Pools positioned forward of the main elevation of the house
• Pool houses, domes or raised terraces that exceed permitted development limits
• Pools intended for commercial use such as holiday lets, lessons or events

Cornwall has many protected landscapes, so it is always worth checking your property’s status before starting work.

Building regulations for swimming pools

Even when planning permission is not required, some projects still need building regulations approval. Indoor pools always require checks for ventilation, insulation and energy efficiency. Outdoor pools may also need approval if they include certain structures or technical installations. If you are unsure, our team can help you understand what applies to your project and guide you through the next steps.

Planning a swimming pool project?

If you are considering a swimming pool, landscaping or groundworks project, our team is ready to help. We offer free quotations and friendly advice to guide you through the process.

We also offer finance options through our partnership with Ideal4Finance. This includes 0% finance on qualifying projects, helping homeowners bring their ideas to life without delay. Finance is subject to status and eligibility.

Start your project with J Keane Plant Hire

Whether you are planning a swimming pool, a landscaping redesign or a full groundworks package, J Keane Plant Hire is here to support you from the first conversation to the final handover. Our experience across Cornwall means we understand the landscape, the challenges and the opportunities that come with outdoor construction. For more information or to request a free quote, get in touch with our friendly team today.

Before any successful building, landscaping or groundworks project can begin, the site needs a strong foundation. Often, that means clearing away unwanted vegetation, old structures, debris, uneven ground or accumulated waste to create a safe and workable space.

Here at J Keane Plant Hire, we provide professional site clearance services across Cornwall, helping homeowners, contractors, developers and businesses transform difficult or unusable areas into clean, accessible and construction-ready sites.

With our growing Truro team and second branch recently opened in Launceston, we are able to provide reliable plant hire and groundworks support throughout the county, from smaller residential projects to larger commercial developments.

What is site clearance?

Site clearance is the process of preparing land before construction, landscaping or further groundworks can take place. This can involve removing vegetation, rubble, old structures, excess soil, concrete, timber and other unwanted materials.

Every site is different. Some may require simple vegetation clearance, while others may involve challenging ground conditions, demolition work, excavation or drainage preparation.

Using the right machinery and experienced operators helps make the process faster, safer and more efficient, ensuring the site is ready for the next phase of work.

Site clearance for homes, businesses and developments across Cornwall

There are many reasons why customers across the county choose J Keane Plant Hire to handle professional site clearance in Cornwall.

Preparing land for a new build or extension

Before foundations, footings or landscaping can start, the area needs to be stable, accessible and free from obstacles. Site clearance removes unwanted materials, levels uneven areas and prepares the ground so contractors can begin work safely. Whether you are building a new home, extending an existing property or creating additional outdoor space, proper preparation is an essential first step.

Clearing overgrown gardens and land

Cornwall’s rural landscapes and larger properties often feature areas that have become overgrown over time. Dense vegetation, brambles, trees, scrubland and invasive plants can make land difficult to access or develop. Our machinery allows us to clear larger areas efficiently, helping turn neglected land into a usable space ready for landscaping, construction or agricultural improvements.

Removing old structures and unwanted materials

Derelict outbuildings, old concrete areas, damaged structures and accumulated waste can all prevent progress on a project. Professional site clearance helps remove these obstacles safely, with the correct equipment used to handle heavy materials and difficult conditions. This reduces risks on site and ensures waste is managed responsibly.

Improving site access

A cleared site is not just about removing unwanted materials. In many cases, access also needs to be improved before other contractors can begin. We can assist with preparing access routes, creating level working areas and improving ground conditions so that vehicles, machinery and tradespeople can safely reach the site.

Our site clearance and groundwork services

At J Keane Plant Hire, we offer a range of services to support projects from the initial preparation stage through to completion. Our capabilities include:

• Site clearance and preparation
• Excavation work
• Ground levelling and grading
• Foundation and footing preparation
• Drainage preparation
• Removal of soil, rubble and spoil
• Landscaping preparation
• Aggregate and material deliveries

With a wide range of plant equipment available, including excavators and dumpers, we can approach each project with the machinery best suited to the job.

Responsible removal and waste management

Site clearance often creates large amounts of spoil, soil, concrete and other materials. Managing this correctly is an important part of any professional clearance project. We can help ensure unwanted materials are handled efficiently, with responsible disposal and removal processes used wherever required. This helps keep projects organised while reducing unnecessary disruption to the surrounding area.

Why choose J Keane Plant Hire for site clearance in Cornwall?

As a local family-run company, we pride ourselves on combining reliable machinery with a personal service. We understand that every project has different challenges, which is why we work closely with customers to provide practical solutions. Our customers value our communication, flexibility and ability to support projects when timing matters.

From our base in Truro we regularly cover areas including Threemilestone, Shortlanesend, Trispen, Tregony, Probus, Carnon Downs, Devoran, Chacewater and beyond.

Get your Cornwall site ready for its next chapter

A successful project starts with the right preparation. Professional site clearance creates a safer, cleaner and more efficient working environment, giving your build or landscaping plans the best possible start. If you need reliable site clearance services in Cornwall, contact our team today for friendly advice and a free, no-obligation consultation.

There’s nothing quite like the arrival of brand new kit, and our latest delivery of shiny SANY mini diggers has landed in Launceston! They are fuelled, polished and ready to head out to jobs from Callington and Bude to Tavistock, Okehampton, Liskeard and beyond.

With more demand than ever for reliable machinery, our latest fleet additions mean customers can now hire brand new mini diggers directly from Pennygillam Industrial Estate with fast turnaround times and excellent availability.

Whether you are tackling a construction project, landscaping job, groundwork or agricultural task, our fresh machines are ready to hire now. We offer both operated hire and self drive hire, giving you the flexibility to choose the option that suits your project best. If you need an experienced operator, we can supply one. If you prefer to run the machine yourself, we can arrange that too.

New SANY mini diggers available now

Our Launceston depot is home to several new arrivals from SANY, each designed to handle different types of work across Cornwall and Devon. These compact excavators are known for their reliability, smooth operation and impressive digging power.

SANY SY16C

A 1.6 ton mini digger built for tight access areas. It offers strong stability and digging performance, making it ideal for landscaping, small construction sites and property maintenance.

SANY SY35U

A 3.5 ton zero tail swing excavator designed for manoeuvring in confined spaces. It delivers excellent breakout force and smooth hydraulic control, perfect for more demanding groundwork.

SANY SY10U

A 1 ton ultra compact digger suited to indoor works, garden projects and jobs where precision and a minimal footprint are essential.

All machines are available as operated or self drive, depending on your needs.

What mini diggers can be used for

Mini diggers are incredibly versatile, and our new fleet supports a wide range of projects across Cornwall and Devon. Here are some of the most common uses.

Garden landscaping

Perfect for reshaping gardens in places like Liskeard, Callington or Bodmin. Mini diggers can level ground, create terraces and prepare areas for patios or lawns.

Driveway preparation

Ideal for digging out new driveways or widening existing ones, especially in tight Cornish plots where access is limited.

Footings for extensions

Many homes in Cornwall add small extensions or garden rooms. Mini diggers can dig footings quickly and safely without needing larger machinery.

Drainage installation

Useful for installing new drainage runs, soakaways or repairing old systems in rural areas like Holsworthy, Launceston and Lifton.

Preparing ground for holiday lets

Cornwall’s holiday let market often needs small scale groundworks for hot tubs, cabins, pods or outdoor seating areas in places such as Padstow, Wadebridge and Bude.

Small demolition jobs

Mini diggers can remove sheds, walls, greenhouses or broken hardstanding in tight spaces where larger machines cannot reach.

Trenching for utilities

Perfect for digging trenches for water, electric or fibre lines, especially in rural villages with narrow access.

Land clearance

Clearing brambles, overgrowth or old garden features to prepare land for new projects.

Pool excavation

Smaller pools, plunge pools or landscaping around larger pool builds often rely on mini diggers for precise excavation.

Farm and smallholding maintenance

Mini diggers are useful for ditching, clearing gateways, repairing tracks and general maintenance across Cornwall’s farms and smallholdings.

A hire service you can trust

J Keane Plant Hire and Groundworks is now officially recognised by the Hire Association Europe, and that badge says a lot about how we operate. Being part of HAE means our equipment meets industry standards for safety, reliability and maintenance, and every machine that leaves our yard has been properly checked, serviced and signed off. As a Cornish independent hire business, we take real pride in supplying dependable machinery to builders, landscapers, farmers and anyone tackling a project across the South West.

Our kit might spend most of its time in Cornwall and Devon, but it has travelled far beyond the county line. From Land’s End to John o’ Groats, our machines have been called on for jobs big and small, proving their reliability wherever they go.

Visit our new Launceston depot

Our new space at Pennygillam Industrial Estate just off the A30 has been designed to support both plant hire and groundworks services in Launceston. The depot allows us to keep equipment availability high and turnaround times fast, ensuring customers can get the machinery they need without delay.

For plant hire or aggregate needs, contact Tony today on 01566 701505 to secure your hire before the machines are booked up.

There’s nothing quite like the arrival of brand new kit, and our latest delivery of shiny SANY mini diggers has landed in Launceston! They are fuelled, polished and ready to head out to jobs from Callington and Bude to Tavistock, Okehampton, Liskeard and beyond.

With more demand than ever for reliable machinery, our latest fleet additions mean customers can now hire brand new mini diggers directly from Pennygillam Industrial Estate with fast turnaround times and excellent availability.

Whether you are tackling a construction project, landscaping job, groundwork or agricultural task, our fresh machines are ready to hire now. We offer both operated hire and self drive hire, giving you the flexibility to choose the option that suits your project best. If you need an experienced operator, we can supply one. If you prefer to run the machine yourself, we can arrange that too.

New SANY mini diggers available now

Our Launceston depot is home to several new arrivals from SANY, each designed to handle different types of work across Cornwall and Devon. These compact excavators are known for their reliability, smooth operation and impressive digging power.

SANY SY16C

A 1.6 ton mini digger built for tight access areas. It offers strong stability and digging performance, making it ideal for landscaping, small construction sites and property maintenance.

SANY SY35U

A 3.5 ton zero tail swing excavator designed for manoeuvring in confined spaces. It delivers excellent breakout force and smooth hydraulic control, perfect for more demanding groundwork.

SANY SY10U

A 1 ton ultra compact digger suited to indoor works, garden projects and jobs where precision and a minimal footprint are essential.

All machines are available as operated or self drive, depending on your needs.

What mini diggers can be used for

Mini diggers are incredibly versatile, and our new fleet supports a wide range of projects across Cornwall and Devon. Here are some of the most common uses.

Garden landscaping

Perfect for reshaping gardens in places like Liskeard, Callington or Bodmin. Mini diggers can level ground, create terraces and prepare areas for patios or lawns.

Driveway preparation

Ideal for digging out new driveways or widening existing ones, especially in tight Cornish plots where access is limited.

Footings for extensions

Many homes in Cornwall add small extensions or garden rooms. Mini diggers can dig footings quickly and safely without needing larger machinery.

Drainage installation

Useful for installing new drainage runs, soakaways or repairing old systems in rural areas like Holsworthy, Launceston and Lifton.

Preparing ground for holiday lets

Cornwall’s holiday let market often needs small scale groundworks for hot tubs, cabins, pods or outdoor seating areas in places such as Padstow, Wadebridge and Bude.

Small demolition jobs

Mini diggers can remove sheds, walls, greenhouses or broken hardstanding in tight spaces where larger machines cannot reach.

Trenching for utilities

Perfect for digging trenches for water, electric or fibre lines, especially in rural villages with narrow access.

Land clearance

Clearing brambles, overgrowth or old garden features to prepare land for new projects.

Pool excavation

Smaller pools, plunge pools or landscaping around larger pool builds often rely on mini diggers for precise excavation.

Farm and smallholding maintenance

Mini diggers are useful for ditching, clearing gateways, repairing tracks and general maintenance across Cornwall’s farms and smallholdings.

A hire service you can trust

J Keane Plant Hire and Groundworks is now officially recognised by the Hire Association Europe, and that badge says a lot about how we operate. Being part of HAE means our equipment meets industry standards for safety, reliability and maintenance, and every machine that leaves our yard has been properly checked, serviced and signed off. As a Cornish independent hire business, we take real pride in supplying dependable machinery to builders, landscapers, farmers and anyone tackling a project across the South West.

Our kit might spend most of its time in Cornwall and Devon, but it has travelled far beyond the county line. From Land’s End to John o’ Groats, our machines have been called on for jobs big and small, proving their reliability wherever they go.

Visit our new Launceston depot

Our new space at Pennygillam Industrial Estate just off the A30 has been designed to support both plant hire and groundworks services in Launceston. The depot allows us to keep equipment availability high and turnaround times fast, ensuring customers can get the machinery they need without delay.

For plant hire or aggregate needs, contact Tony today on 01566 701505 to secure your hire before the machines are booked up.

With the hot summer weather we have been enjoying across Cornwall, many of us are spending more time outdoors than ever. Whether it is relaxing in the garden, entertaining family and friends, or finally tackling those outdoor projects that have been waiting for the right weather, now is the perfect time to make the most of your outside space.

At J Keane Plant Hire, we understand how important a well-kept garden is during the summer months. As a family-run business with more than 10 years of experience, we have helped homeowners, landscapers and businesses across Cornwall complete outdoor projects with reliable, professional machinery.

Transform your outdoor space this summer

Longer evenings and warmer days naturally encourage us to spend more time outside. From tidying lawns and maintaining hedges to creating new planting areas or clearing overgrown sections of your garden, summer is often the busiest season for outdoor improvements.

However, keeping your garden looking its best can require more than just traditional hand tools. Professional garden machinery can help save time, reduce effort and give you a much better finish. That is where hiring can be a smart solution. Rather than investing in expensive equipment that may only be used a few times a year, hiring gives you access to high-quality machinery exactly when you need it, without the costs and responsibilities that come with ownership.

Why hire garden machinery instead of buying?

Many homeowners find that owning larger garden equipment comes with hidden challenges. Storage space, servicing, maintenance and keeping machinery ready for use can all become frustrating, especially if equipment sits unused for much of the year. With J Keane Plant Hire, you can simply hire the right machine for your project, complete the work and return it when you are finished. The benefits include:

• Access to professional-quality equipment that delivers better results than many domestic alternatives
• No need to worry about servicing, repairs or long-term maintenance
• More space in your garage, shed or workshop
• A cost-effective way to use specialist machinery without a large upfront investment

Our team keeps equipment well maintained and ready to work, so you can focus on getting your garden project completed.

Garden machinery available for hire in Cornwall

Whether you have a small garden in Truro or a larger rural property in Falmouth, we have equipment to suit a wide range of outdoor jobs. Our garden machinery hire range includes:

Ride-on lawn mowers

Perfect for larger lawns, fields and commercial spaces, ride-on mowers make cutting large areas quicker and easier. They are ideal for achieving a neat, professional finish while reducing the time spent on routine lawn maintenance.

Push lawn mowers

For smaller gardens and tighter spaces, push lawn mowers provide a practical and reliable option. Easy to manoeuvre and straightforward to use, they are perfect for keeping residential lawns looking their best throughout the summer.

Strimmers and brush cutters

Warm weather can quickly encourage grass, weeds and vegetation to grow. Our strimmers and brush cutters are ideal for keeping borders tidy, clearing overgrown areas and creating clean edges around paths, patios and lawns.

Hedge trimmers and tree pruners

Summer is a great time to maintain hedges and trees. Our specialist equipment helps make trimming, shaping and managing outdoor areas much easier.

Rotavators and landscaping equipment

If you are preparing new flower beds, vegetable gardens or landscaping areas, a rotavator can help break up soil and prepare the ground efficiently.

Leaf blowers and additional garden tools

From clearing pathways to completing final tidy-up work, our range of equipment helps you achieve a finished look across your outdoor space.

Creating the perfect summer garden

For some homeowners, summer is about more than just maintenance. It is about creating an outdoor area that can be enjoyed for years to come. We regularly support larger garden transformations and groundworks projects across Cornwall. From preparing land and clearing spaces to supporting landscaping work, having the correct machinery can make a huge difference.

If the recent spell of hot weather has inspired you to think beyond everyday garden maintenance and consider a bigger outdoor investment, having the right team and machinery in place is essential. Whether you are creating a new entertaining area, reshaping your garden or planning something more ambitious such as a swimming pool project, professional groundworks can provide the foundations for a successful transformation.

Your local family team for plant hire in Cornwall

At J Keane Plant Hire, we pride ourselves on offering a friendly, reliable service built around experience and local knowledge. We know that every outdoor project is different, which is why our team is always happy to provide advice and help you choose the right equipment for the job.

Whether you are refreshing your garden, managing summer maintenance or starting a larger landscaping project, our garden machinery and plant hire service can help you get the work done efficiently. Get in touch with our friendly team and bring your outdoor plans to life with J Keane Plant Hire.

Cornwall’s construction, landscaping and groundworks sectors rely on machinery that can handle tight access, uneven terrain and busy sites. Here at J Keane Plant Hire in Truro, we continue to expand our fleet to meet these demands, and our latest arrivals include a fresh batch of brand new dumpers now available to hire from both our Truro and Launceston depots. These compact, mid size and heavy duty machines are ready to work and offer reliable performance for projects across Cornwall and West Devon.

Our diverse range of plant hire equipment ensures you have the right tools for the job. Whether you need an excavator for digging, a dumper for transporting materials or support from our experienced operators, our team of qualified construction and landscaping professionals is here to provide expert advice. With new additions arriving regularly, our fleet is built to support everything from domestic landscaping to commercial groundworks.

Fresh fleet additions ready to hire

We have recently welcomed a fresh drop of 1T, 3T and 6T dumpers into the J Keane Plant Hire and Groundworks fleet. Each machine has been fully inspected, prepared and made ready for immediate hire. These new dumpers are available from our Truro and Launceston branches and offer a practical solution for moving materials efficiently across a wide range of sites.

Dumpers are one of the most versatile pieces of plant machinery, and their ability to transport soil, aggregates, waste and supplies makes them essential for keeping projects moving. Whether you are working on a small garden redesign or a multi plot development, hiring a dumper can significantly improve productivity and reduce manual handling.

What dumper hire is ideal for

Cornwall’s varied landscape means that construction and landscaping projects often involve tight access, sloped gardens and rural locations. Our dumpers are well suited to these environments and can support a wide range of tasks.

Landscaping projects

Ideal for moving soil, gravel, mulch and green waste quickly across gardens, driveways and uneven plots. This is especially helpful in Cornwall where many properties sit on slopes or coastal terrain.

Groundworks

Perfect for shifting spoil during foundation digs, drainage work, trenching or general site preparation. Dumpers help keep small and medium sites tidy and efficient.

Construction sites

Useful for transporting materials such as sand, hardcore, rubble and aggregates around busy sites, particularly where access is limited.

Driveway and patio installations

A practical way to move sub base materials, old paving and waste during resurfacing or new installations.

Farm and rural work

Handy for moving feed, fencing materials, soil and debris around fields, tracks and farmyards.

Coastal property renovations

Many cliff side homes in Cornwall have steep or narrow access. Dumpers make it easier to transport materials safely and efficiently.

Small housing developments

Keeping plots moving efficiently by transporting spoil and materials between different parts of the site.

Garden clearance

Ideal for removing old turf, shrubs, rubble or waste during tidy ups or redesigns.

Path and track building

Useful for moving stone, scalpings or soil when creating access paths or repairing rural tracks.

General site clean ups

A simple way to clear debris and keep work areas organised.

Machinery maintained to the highest standards

We maintain all plant hire machinery to the highest standards, ensuring reliable performance that exceeds industry expectations. Every dumper undergoes regular servicing and rigorous inspections so it arrives on site in peak condition. Our commitment to quality means customers can rely on safe, dependable equipment that is ready to work from the moment it arrives.

Do you need a licence to operate a dumper?

Many customers ask whether a licence is required to operate a dumper. You do not need a road licence, as dumpers are not road legal vehicles, but proper training is essential. On commercial sites across Cornwall, operators are usually required to hold a CPCS or NPORS dumper card to demonstrate competence and safe working practices. This ensures machinery is used correctly and reduces the risk of accidents or inefficiency.

Operated plant hire available

In addition to self-drive hire, we also provide operated machinery hire with qualified and experienced operators to ensure your machinery is used efficiently, safely and professionally. Plant machinery should only be operated by trained individuals, and choosing operated hire helps prevent poor quality work, delays and safety hazards. With our operated plant hire service in Cornwall, you can have peace of mind knowing your project is in expert hands.

Get in touch for availability and hire rates

Our team is here to help you choose the right machinery for your project. Get in touch today for dumper hire availability, pricing and expert guidance from our Truro and Launceston depots.