Redevelopment of land provides the best opportunity to address land contamination. Changing the land use can add value to the land and also bring into use so called "derelict" or "brownfield" sites so that the developer, future site users and the local community can all benefit.
The Government's planning guidance on land affected by contamination is set out in Planning Policy Statement 23 (PPS23) on Planning and Pollution Control Annex 2: Development on Land Affected by contamination. Within this guidance it is stated that 'Because of the widespread potential occurrence of contamination, the possibility should always be considered, regardless of past land use, when development is proposed involving or introducing a particularly sensitive use such as housing with gardens, schools, nurseries or allotments'
PPS23 states that where development is proposed, the developer is responsible for ensuring that development is safe and suitable for use for the purpose for which it is intended. The developer is thus responsible for determining whether land is suitable for a particular end use. Following PPS23, contaminated land is now a material consideration during the planning process.
If you are planning to develop a site, which is potentially contaminated, it is recommended that you contact the Environmental Management Team on 01284 757042 for advice.
