Overview
If you are developing land that may be affected by contamination, you must assess and manage any risks before development begins.
Land contamination can result from previous industrial uses, waste disposal, spillages, ground gases or naturally occurring substances. If not properly addressed, it can pose risks to people, the environment, buildings and infrastructure.
The planning system requires land to be made suitable for its intended use. Depending on the site, you may need to provide contamination reports to support your planning application or discharge planning conditions.
This guide explains:
- when contamination assessments are required
- how to carry out land contamination investigations
- what information must be submitted to the council
- how remediation schemes are approved
- how to demonstrate that risks have been addressed
The four stages of the contaminated land process are:
- Desk study
- Site investigation
- Remediation strategy
- Verification