Prior Notification for Change of Use From Agricultural to Residential, Market Flat Lane, Scotton, North Yorkshire

Case Study Reference: 15-09-09

Planning Authority: Harrogate Borough Council

Planning Reference: 15/03027/PBR and 15/04529/DISCON

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 prior notification for the change of use of the agricultural building

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 undeveloped to circa 2002 when the agricultural building was erected . Two former quarries and a refuse tip were also identified on the O.S. maps within 250m of the site.

The planning history of the site was reviewed, no salient information was obtained.

Data provided by regulatory bodies confirmed the presence of a number of quarries and excavations within 250m

 

 

 

On completion of the desk based research a site reconnaissance visit was undertaken, this confirmed the site was a barn in an open field. As part of the site walkover survey the quarries and refuse tip were investigated and the based on the walkover observations the risk posed by ground gas being generated by the quarries / refuse tip were regarded as very low.

The potential sources of contamination identified in the desk study report and site walkover survey were subject to a qualitative risk assessment, this concluded that the only credible potential sources were the landfill and in-filled quarry.

The desk study concluded that either gas protection measures should be incorporated into the building or gas monitoring should be undertaken.

The desk study report was submitted as part of 15/04529/DISCON, the memo from the Environmental Protection Officer confirmed that either option was acceptable.