Prior Approval for the Change of Use of Agricultural Buildings to Dwellinghouses, Haughley Green, Haughley, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 3RR

Case Study Reference: CS23-10-03

Planning Authority: Mid Suffolk District Council

Planning Reference: https://www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/w/application-search-and-comment and https://planning.baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=S57BLHSHLD100

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 of the site.

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 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 was developed prior to the first edition map (1885), over the maps the buildings on site have been extended. A pond was noted on the north eastern boundary of the site which was in-filled between 1995 and 1999.

A second pond was noted 18m south of the site which was in-filled between 1958 and 1978.

The planning history of the site was reviewed as part of the desk based research and reports associated with any previous application were located and studied, no previous applications were noted.

The published geological maps identified the drift soils as the Lowestoft Formation which was underlain by the Crag Group (sand). A search of the BGS (British Geological Survey) borehole records identified a publicly available borehole 17m south east of the site which recorded that from the surface to 25mbgl.

Data provided by regulatory bodies identified the presence of a fish pond 80m south of the site.

On completion of the desk based research a site reconnaissance visit was undertaken, this confirmed the site comprised the site comprised of a number of buildings, which were disused and

overgrown. An unbunded diesel tank was noted in one of the buildings.

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 in-filled pond on the northern boundary, the diesel tank on site and the potential for made ground to be present on site all warranted further assessment.

The qualitative assessment concluded that remediation in lieu of site investigation was not

suitable given the potential for mobile contamination to eb present in the area of the tank.

The report was submitted to support the application, the recommendations of the report were accepted and planning granted with the recommendations of the Phase I report conditioned.