Residential Development, Plains Road, Tolleshunt, Major, Essex, CM9

Case Study Reference: CS18-10-09

Planning Authority: Maldon District Council

Planning Reference: Maldon District Council and 18/01238/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 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 between 1955 and 1965 when a piggery was present on the site, by 1980 a second piggery was present.

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, whilst an application from 2002 for the erection of a dwelling was noted, no salient information was obtained.

The published geological maps identified the site as being underlain by head which in turn was underlain by London Clay. The borehole section sheets published by the BGS were reviewed and no borehole in close proximity to the site were available hence no further information on ground conditions could be obtained.

Data provided by regulatory bodies confirmed the presence the tanks on the site.

On completion of the desk based research a site reconnaissance visit was undertaken in order to obtain further information on the potential sources identified in the desk based research and to identify any other potential sources. The walkover survey confirmed the site was occupied by two poultry sheds, damaged cement sheeting was noted as well as a stand for a fuel tank.

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 made ground on the site, damaged cement sheeting and fuel tanks all posed potential risks and further assessment was warranted.

Intrusive works were proposed in order to investigate the potential pollution linkages, remediation in lieu of further investigation was deemed appropriate for the potential issues arising from the made ground and damaged cement sheeting.

The report was submitted to support the application and whilst the application was refused the recommendations of the Phase I report were accepted.