Residential Development, Poynton, Stockport, Cheshire

Case Study Reference: CS09-12-02

Planning Authority: Cheshire East Council

Planning Reference: https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/planning/view_a_planning_application/view_a_planning_application.aspx and http://planning.cheshireeast.gov.uk/applicationdetails.aspx?pr=09/2176M&query=9943a9b1-4732-4e05-9b08-f29b713b59b7

Synopsis:

Due to the sensitivity of the proposed development (residential – contamination is assumed unless proven otherwise) a contaminated land planning condition was attached to the decision notice.

The condition states that the first stage of discharging the condition is to submit a Phase I desk study report, a Phase I report assesses the potential for a site to be impacted by historical contamination. The potential is assessed by reviewing the history of the site and its surrounds using a combination of O.S maps, aerial plates and street level imagery, as well information held by regulators (local authority, Environment Agency etc._)

The O.S maps revealed that the southern portion of the site was associated with the adjoining orchard, no significant changes were noted in the O.S. maps.  An electricity substation was noted on the southern boundary from 1983.

Information held by regulators did not reveal any further potential issues.

On completion of the desk based assessment a site walkover survey was undertaken in order to obtain further information on the potential sources identified in the desk based assessment and to determine if there are any other potential sources fo contamination on the site (fuel tanks etc.).  The walkover confirmed the site comprised of two separate areas of land and the previous buildings had been demolished.

As the site had been used as an orchard samples of the site soils were taken and subject to lead arsenate analysis.

On completion of the walkover survey a qualitative risk assessment was undertaken on all the potential sources of contamination that was identified on the desk study report, the data from the chemical testing was used to discount the site soils as a potential source of contamination, given this the report concluded that there were no potential sources of contamination and no further works were warranted.

The report was accepted by the local authority and the condition discharged and the dwelling built.