Erection of Replacement Bungalow, Bell Lane, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, OX10 0QD

Case Study Reference: 09-04-02

Planning Authority: South Oxfordshire District Council

Planning Reference: P09/W0040

Synopsis:

Due to the sensitive nature of the proposed development (residential) the contaminated land condition was attached to the decision notice.

In order to discharge the contaminated land planning condition, Demeter Environmental were commissioned to prepare a desk study report.

The aim of the desk study report is to assess the potential for the site to be affected by historical contamination arising from either the site or the surrounds.

A review of the historical Ordnance Survey maps revealed that the site initially formed part of an orchard, before Ebees Cottage was built.

Data provided by regulators did not identify any potential issues either on or off site.

On completion of the desk based assessment a site walkover survey was undertaken, this confirmed the site was a dwelling and associated gardens.

The initial desk study report concluded that the past use of the site as an orchard was unlikely to impact on site soils the potential for the site soils to have been impacted by chemicals used on the orchard was identified by the council. The desk study was revised and a limited site investigation using hand held trial pits was proposed to obtain samples of site soils for chemical analysis.

The chemical analysis data demonstrated the site soils have not been impacted by chemicals from the orchard, and the condition was discharged.