Redevelopment of Former Nurseries, Merstone Lane, Arreton, Newport, Isle Of Wight
Case Study Reference: CS22-10-04
Planning Authority: Isle of Wight Council
Planning Reference: Isle of Wight Council and 22/02289/FUL
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 residential redevelopment f the site.
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 formed part of a larger parcel of open land with two buildings on the boundary of the access track. The 1975 map identifies buildings present on the site associated with the nursery on the eastern boundary of the site, tanks were identified on the southern area of the site.
No contaminative land uses were noted in close proximity to the site.
The planning history of the site was reviewed as part of the desk based research and a number of previous applications were noted and the associated documentation reviewed. This confirmed the past uses of the buildings subject to the report.
The published geological maps identified the site was in an area where bedrock was exposed (Ferruginous Sands Formation). A hand held trial pit excavated on a previous site visit revealed the presence of made ground.
Data provided by regulatory bodies confirmed the site had been occupied by a nursery and tanks were present.
On completion of the desk based research a site reconnaissance visit was undertaken, this confirmed the site comprised of five buildings , comprising of an office, boiler rooms and storage. Evidence of the presence of additional tanks were noted.
The condition fo the site was compared to the previous site visits.
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 the made ground to be impacted by contamination, the past uses of the site and the presence of tanks all required further investigation and assessment.
The report was submitted to support the application, the recommendations were accepted and planning granted.
