Replacement Dwelling, Culcheth And Glazebury, Warrington, WA3

Case Study Reference: 21-06-02

Planning Authority: Warrington Borough Council

Planning Reference: Warrington Borough Council and 2020/36931

Synopsis:

In order to support the application and to demonstrate that after the development of the site, as a minimum, land should not be capable of being determined as contaminated land under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 a desk study report was required.

A desk study report (also known as a Phase I report) examines the site and determines if there are any potential issues that may affect human health, building fabric etc.

The first stage is to review the history of the site by
examining historical O.S. maps, which revealed that the farm the site formed part of was present before the first edition (1849) map and by 1893 buildings were present on the site.

Information provided by regulatory bodies (local authority, Environment Agency, BGS etc.) was reviewed and no salient information was obtained.

Once the desk based review was complete, ;the site reconnaissance visit was undertaken, this revealed the site to form part of a group of farm buildings, the buildings on the sire were a farmhouse in a state of disrepair and the ruins of a second building, the garden areas were overgrown inhibiting access.

On completion of the site visit a qualitative risk assessment was undertaken in order determine if further works were required, it was concluded thar the only potential source was made ground on site.

Given the low risk from made ground remediation as an alternative to site investigation was proposed.

The report was submitted with the application and accepted although site investigation was required by the local authority.