Residential Development, Gradwells Farm, Copp Lane Great Eccleston, PR3

Case Study Reference: CS21-014-09

Planning Authority: Wyre Council

Planning Reference: Wyre Council and 21/00974/FULMAJ

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 an extension to an existing commercial building.

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 the site has not been developed and aerial plates and street level imagery confirmed the site was open land.

A pond on the eastern boundary was noted on the 1881 map, which by 1932 had been in-filled.

A review of the published geology for the site revealed the soils were Devensian Till which were underlain by mudstone. A review of BGS boreholes did not reveal any boreholes in close proximity to the site.

Information provided by regulatory bodies did not add any further salient information.

On completion of the desk based research a site reconnaissance visit was undertaken, which was required in order to determine if there were any other potential sources of contamination that may affect the site and to obtain further information in order to assess the potential risks.

The walkover confirmed the site was agricultural and a stockpile of rubble was noted on the south eastern area of the site.

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 the in-filled pond and area of rubble warranted further works.

The report was submitted with the application and the recommendations were accepted by the local authority the proposed works were conditions.