Pre-application advice and choosing a consultant
Pre-application advice
Applicants should contact the Contaminated Land Team at the earliest opportunity.
Early discussions can help:
- identify information requirements
- avoid delays during planning
- reduce remediation costs
- ensure building designs are suitable for site conditions
- avoid costly redesigns later in the project
Land contamination assessments can influence building layouts, foundation design and other construction requirements.
Choosing a contaminated land consultant
The Council expects investigations and reports to be prepared by a competent person with appropriate qualifications, experience and professional standards.
Consultants should:
- have relevant environmental expertise
- follow recognised industry standards
- use accredited laboratories
- understand current legislation and guidance
- carry appropriate professional indemnity insurance
- produce clear risk assessments and reports
For particularly complex sites, the council recommends using a Specialist in Land Condition (SiLC) registered consultant.