Development of Potentially Contaminated Sites

Short guidance notes for developers

Introduction

The actual or possible presence of contamination is a material planning consideration. The purpose of this guide is to help developers and their advisors to understand and be aware of what information South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) will need to assess an application for planning consent on land which is, or may be, affected by the presence of contamination. Download the full guidance document.

We seek to ensure that development sites are appropriately investigated, managed and, if applicable, remediated. We are mainly concerned with risks to human health and ensuring that the proposed development will be suitable for use.

Early consultation with the environmental health service is recommended.

The site investigation procedure

The Phase 1 investigation should establish whether there have been any former contaminative uses on the site or adjacent properties that could impact upon the development. The investigation should produce a 'conceptual site model' that characterises all plausible pollutant linkages. This will form the basis of any subsequent work undertaken as part of a Phase 2 investigation.

The developer should demonstrate familiarity with a sites former uses and published information on their potential for contamination during both the initial review and the further assessment.

The Phase 2 investigation should determine the nature, extent and severity of contamination by means of intrusive investigations. It should provide details of remedial options, health and safety issues, potential impacts on the environment and a detailed work plan.

The site investigation procedure involves specialist technical knowledge and it is essential that competent and experienced people conduct all phases of the site investigation procedure. It is essential that developers conduct their site investigations in accordance with current good practice.

Remediation options

The remediation options proposed should be related to the pollutant linkages that have been identified. The selection of the remediation strategy should be discussed with the pros and cons of each options outlined. Reasons should be given for the chosen remediation option, or combination of options.

If any unsuspected contamination is identified during investigation or remediation works then the environmental health department should be contacted, at the earliest opportunity, in order to discuss a strategy for the treatment or removal of the contaminated material.

The post remediation verification report

It is important that remediation is undertaken in accordance with the proposed remediation strategy, and that accurate documentary evidence is collected. The Post Remediation Verification report should provide a summary of remedial works carried out together with relevant documentary evidence and post remediation test results.

The developer's responsibility

When commenting on contaminated land reports and proposed remediation strategies South Cambridgeshire District Council will not accept responsibility for the effectiveness of the design, completion of remediation measures and the safety of future occupiers. At all times this is the responsibility of the developers and their advisors. Developers should therefore fully appreciate the importance of competent professional advice, which must be supported by sufficient professional indemnity insurance.

Additional reference material

  • British Standards Institution (2001) Investigation of Potentially Contaminated Sites - Code of Practice, BSI.
  • Environment Agency and NHBC (2000) Guidance for the safe development of housing on land affected by contamination. EA R&D publication 66.
  • Environment Agency (2000) Technical Aspects of site investigation (2 volumes) R&D Technical Report P5-065. Available from Environment Agency R&D Dissemination Centre, WRc, Frankland Road, Swindon, Wilts. SN5 8YF.
  • Environment Agency (2000) Secondary model procedures for the development of appropriate soil sampling strategies for land contamination R&D Technical Report P5-066. Available from Environment Agency R&D Dissemination Centre.

See also

Contact us

Health and Environmental Services
South Cambridgeshire Hall
Cambourne Business Park
CAMBOURNE
Cambridge
CB23 6EA