Development at Lumb Carr Road, Holcombe, Bury, Lancashire

Case Study Reference: 13-10-02

Planning Authority: Bury Council

Planning Reference: 56866

Synopsis:

In order to demonstrate that after the development the site could not be classified as ‘contaminated land’ under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act a Phase I desk study report was required to support the application for the erection of a dwelling.  The site was occupied by an agricultural building, the past use of the site have the potential to impact site soils.

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 history of the site and surrounds were researched using a combination of Ordnance Survey (O.S.) maps, street level imagery and aerial plates, this revealed that the site was developed prior to the first edition O.S. map with the site being redeveloped by the 1962 map.

A quarry was noted on the 1891 180m north west of the site, no evidence of in-filling was noted.

The planning history of the site was reviewed which revealed a number of applications relating to alterations to the buildings on site.

The published geological maps identified the drift soils as Till with glaciofluvial deposits on the north western corner of the site. The bedrock was given as the Rossendale Formation (mudstone and siltstone)

Data provided by regulatory bodies did not identify any other potential sources of contamination.

On completion of the desk based research a site reconnaissance visit was undertaken, this confirmed the site was occupied by a dwelling and associated garden areas.  The area to be developed comprised of sa single storey garage.

Once the walkover survey was completed a qualitative risk assessment was undertaken on the potential sources of contamination identified in the desk study report in order to determine if any warranted further investigation, this concluded that the potential for made ground to eb present and the past use of the area to be developed as a a garage have the potential to impact site soils.

The report concluded that any made ground from the site is removed and a watching brief be maintained with regards to fuel spillages.