Local information requirements: Land contamination assessment

Types of application that require this information

A stage 1 preliminary risk assessment (PRA) should be carried out if any of the following apply:

• The proposed end use of the development is considered sensitive to contamination (for example, allotments, residential use, schools, some commercial premises)
• The land is known or suspected of being contaminated
• There is no evidence to show the land is free of contamination
• Proposals may create new pollution linkages

If the site poses a potentially significant risk to the proposed use, then a full site investigation is required to be submitted with any application.

The need for a PRA for householder applications, or applications for change of use which do not include operational development will be determined on a case by case basis.

Details of what should be included

A preliminary risk assessment (PRA) must be undertaken and prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced person and undertaken in accordance with relevant guidance and procedures. Details of authors and reviewers and their relevant competencies should be identified within the report.

• Purpose and aims of the study
• A site description including a detailed site plan showing the site location, extent and boundary
• A review of historical information including copies of historical maps and aerial photographs if available
• Information on past and present uses of the site and the surrounding area including any associated hazards and potential contamination sources
• An appraisal of the site’s environmental setting including:
  • Geology, hydrology (including flood risk), hydrogeology and topography
  • Coal workings and other extractive industries
  • Waste management issues and landfill sites
  • Water abstractions and discharges, pollution incidents, IPPC Part A and B, and Radon
  • Drainage, services, tunnels and underground structures
• Review of any previous site contamination studies (desk-based or intrusive) or remediation works
• A site walkover survey (field reconnaissance)
• Site access or investigation restrictions
• A conceptual site model and preliminary risk assessment including:
  • Identification of potential sources of contamination, migration pathways and receptors
  • Identification of potential contaminant linkages and potential unacceptable risks
• Recommendations and conclusions (including site investigation proposals if required)

Where the PRA identifies likely pollutant linkages (in the form of a viable source, pathway and receptor), an intrusive site investigation will be required before development can commence (with the exception of demolition or site clearance). A detailed remediation strategy will need to be agreed (before development commences) and implemented, and finally a validation report will need to be submitted following completion of the development (or completion of the remediation).

Further information about contaminated land planning guidance.