Erection of Dwelling on Former Allotment Gardens, Madeley, Crewe, Cheshire

Case Study Reference: 14-06-06

Planning Authority: Newcastle-Under-Lyme District Council

Planning Reference: 14/00436/REM

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.

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 initially open land and became allotment gardens circa 1924.

The planning history of the site was reviewed, this revealed no salient information.

Data provided by regulatory bodies did not provide any further information on any potential sources of contamination.

On completion of the desk based research a site reconnaissance visit was undertaken, this confirmed the site was an overgrown open parcel of land with a gravelled area on the northern boundary.

As part fo the survey samples of the natural soisl as well as the made ground were taklen.

On completion of the walkover survey 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 past use of the site as allotment gardens and the made ground on the northern area posed a potential risk to human health.

The samples taken as part of the walkover survey were subject to chemical analysis which confirmed that the made ground was impacted by contamination and the natural soils were suitable for use.

The report was submitted to support the application, the recommendations were accepted and the condition discharged.