Change of use from Agricultural Storage to Dwelling, Ramsey, Harwich, Essex

Case Study Reference: 15-05-11

Planning Authority: Tendring District Council

Planning Reference: 15/00416/COUNOT and 15/00889/DISCON

Synopsis:

Given the agricultural nature of the site a contaminated land planning condition was attached to the decision notice for the proposed development. Demeter Environmental were commissioned to prepare the necessary reports required to discharge the condition.

 

The first stage of discharging the condition as to determine what potential issues relating to historical contamination may impact on a site, this is undertaken in a Phase I Desk Study report.

 

A desk study determines what issues relating to historical contamination may affect the site, this is undertaken by reviewing the site history using a combination of O.S. maps, aerial, plates and street level imagery, a review of data held by regulatory bodies (Environment Agency, local authority, BGS etc.) as well as a site walkover survey.

 

The review of the environmental data and historical O.S. maps revealed a cutting and two ponds within 250m of the site, all of which were discounted as credible sources of contamination. The maps also indicated the site was developed between 1994 and 2002.

Information from the walkover survey was sufficient to conclude that the farm building was not a credible source, hence the desk study report concluded that no further assessment or works were warranted.

The desk study report was submitted with 15/00889/DISCON (identified as ‘Phase 1 desk study’ dated 11th June 2015), the decision notice states the desk study was sufficient to discharge the contaminated land planning condition with the watching brief being maintained.