Erection of a Dwelling, Wardley Hall Lane, Worsley, M28
Case Study Reference: CS11-01-05
Planning Authority: Salford City Council
Planning Reference: 10/59314/FUL and 10/59678/DISCON
Synopsis:
Due to the sensitive nature of the development and the site being in an area of naturally elevated levels of contamination a contaminated land planning condition was attached to the decision notice for the proposed development.
In order to commence with the discharge of the condition a Phase I Desk Study report was required. A Phase I desk study report assess the potential for a site to be impacted by contamination, this is undertaken by researching the history of the site and the surrounds as well as a review of information held by regulatory bodies and a site visit.
The first stage of the preparation of the desk study report was to assess the infor
mation held on the site by regulatory bodies (Environment Agency, Ordnance Survey, British Geological Survey, Local Authority etc.) as well as the history of the site and the surrounds.
The history of the site and surrounds were researched using a combination of Ordnance Survey (O.S.) maps, street level imagery and aerial plates, the review indicated the site was undeveloped and formed part of a wood.
A review of the planning history of the site did not reveal any salient information.
The published geology was reviewed using published geological maps, this revealed that till was present on the site with the Pennine Middle Coal Measures recorded as the bedrock.
Borehole sections sheets and chemical analysis was provided by the client which was included in the report, this indicated that approximately 2m of made ground was recorded with bedrock likely present at approximately 7.5mbgl.
Data provided by regulators identified a number of workings as well as a colliery and refuse heaps within 250m of the site.
On completion of the desk
based research a site reconnaissance visit was undertaken, this revealed that the site to have been an open parcel of land that had recently been cleared. Gravel was noted on the northern area. As part of the survey a sample of soil was taken from adjoining the electricity substation on the site boundary.
Once the walkover survey had been completed the qualitative risk assessment was undertaken in order to assess the potential risks of the potential sources of contamination identified in the report. This used the chemical test data provided by the client as well as the PCB results concluded that the made ground on the site posed a potential risk to end users and further works were proposed (sampling at three locations with a hang auger).
The site was revisited in March 2011 in order to obtain additional samples of the made ground for chemical analysis, this concluded that the made ground on the site did not pose a risk to human health.
The desk study (desk Study Report – rec 18.2.11) and the site investigation report (Additional ground contamination information) were submitted with 10/59678/DISCON to discharge the contaminated land planning condition, the assessments were accepted (UV Environment – SI can be discharged) by the local authority and the condition discharged.
