Erection of an Industrial Unit, Formby, Liverpool L37

Case Study Reference: 16-10-15

Planning Authority: Sefton Council

Planning Reference: DC/2016/02063

Synopsis:

In order to support the planning application for the proposed erection of an industrial unit a desk study report was required to demonstrate that the site could be made ‘suitable for use’.

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.

Erection of a new single-storey industrial unit on vacant land to the side of Xpress Auto Parts including new vehicular / pedestrian access | Unit 37 Stephenson Way Formby Liverpool L37 8EGThe review of the historical Ordnance Survey maps revealed the industrial estate the site was located was not developed until between 1955 and 1967, it was not until the 1974 map that the adjoining land was developed. Whilst the site was not developed, the land did form part of the curtilage of the eastern building. A variety of industries (warehouses, works, offices etc.) were identified within 50m of the site as well as two in-filled ponds.

Streetview images published between 2008 and 2016 did not show any significant changes ot the site but did reveal the site was gravelled with a container and a temporary office stored on the site. The October 2014 image shows that the gravel has been replaces with asphalt, the temporary office has been removed and palisade fencing has been erected on the southern area of the site. The images also show that the eastern building has been used for the sales of vehicle parts and accessories, with the site being used as parking for company vehicles.

Erection of a new single-storey industrial unit on vacant land to the side of Xpress Auto Parts including new vehicular / pedestrian access | Unit 37 Stephenson Way Formby Liverpool L37 8EGThe BGS geological map for the area revealed the drift deposits comprised of alluvium, which has the potential to generate ground gases

Data contained in the Groundsure reports indicated that the eastern building was used for vehicle part sales and the building to the south was associated with vehicle repairs.

Data provided by the Environment Agency did not identify any further potential issues, the assessment of the Environment Agency data on groundwater and surface water receptors concluded that all were of low sensitivity.

The assessment of the potential sources of contamination discounted the majority of potential sources, the remaining potential sources were the made ground on site, underlying alluvium and nearby in-filled ponds.

Based on the results of the qualitative risk assessment and low sensitivity of the site it was determined that further intrusive works were not appropriate and limited remediation (specification of water mains and removal of any made ground from foundations as well as the incorporation of a gas membrane in the building design) was more appropriate.

The report was submitted alongside the planning application, which was approved in February 2017 and no contaminated land planning condition was attached to the decision notice.

The desk study report is available with the documents associated with DC/2016/02063 (identified as Phase 1 desk study report’ parts 1 to 4 dated 8th November 2016).