Residential Development, Former Nurseries, Eastway, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2
Case Study Reference: CS12-10-03
Planning Authority: Preston City Council
Planning Reference: https://selfservice.preston.gov.uk/service/planning/search.aspx and https://selfservice.preston.gov.uk/service/planning/ApplicationView.aspx?AppNo=06/2014/0588&Id1=20221207175607d571d7aeec333652
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 initially (1892) the site comprised of open land with a pond on the southern area. A clay pit was noted to the south of the site which is in-filled by the 1938 map. .
Street level imagery of the site confirmed the site comprised of a parcel of open land.
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 reports were noted.
The published geological maps identified the site being in an area where the drift geology comprised of Devensian Glaciofluvial Sheet Deposits (Sands and Gravels). the solid geology is given as the Sherwood Sandstone Group of the Ladinian epoch.
Data provided by the Coal Authority indicated that the site is not within a “Development High Risk Area”.
A review of the BGS borehole database indicated no boreholes were available in close proximity to the site.
Data provided by regulatory bodies confirmed the presence of a number of workings/cuttings within 250m of the site as well as a sand pit 170m 
west and 235m north west. The data provided by the Environment Agency identified an inert landfill o the northern boundary of the site.
The sensitivity of controlled waters was undertaken to determine if the site posed a risk to the nearby controlled waters, this concluded that whilst the site was underlain by a principal aquifer the controlled waters was of low risk and no further assessment was warranted.
On completion of the desk based research a site reconnaissance visit was undertaken, this confirmed the site comprised of three
distinct areas, a car park and nurseries on the southern area, the central area being an overgrown storage area and open land on the northern area.
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 made ground to be present on the site as well as the adjoining landfill warranted further assessment.
The proposed works comprised of either a site investigation to determine if the potential issues were present or the adoption on remedial measures in lieu of further assessment. The report was submitted with the application and teh recommendations approved.
Development commenced by July 2017 and nearing completion (February 2023).
