Erection of a Dwelling, Little Poulton Lane, Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire, FY6

Given the sensitive nature of the development (residential) and the history of the site a contaminated land planning condition was attached to the decision notice for the proposed development.

The first stage of discharging the condition was to prepare a Phase I desk study report in order to determine if the site has the potential to be impacted by elevated levels of contamination, and to determine the source as well as the likelihood of the risk occurring.

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 as initially formed part of Little Poulton Hall.

A number of ponds and a clay pit were noted within 250m of the site.

The planning history of the site was reviewed as part of the desk based research and the reports associated with any previous application were located and studied, no salient information was obtained

The published geological maps identified the site as being underlain by Devensian TIll which in turn were underlain by Sidmouth Mudstone.

Data provided by regulatory bodies identified a number of ground workings / ponds within 250m of the site as well as a pump being on the site.

On completion of the desk based research a site reconnaissance visit was undertaken, this confirmed the site formed part of the garden of the adjoining property.

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 none of the potential sources warranted further assessment and a watching brief was proposed.

The report was submitted ot discharge the contaminated land planning condition (18/00032/DIS), the recommendations of the report were accepted and the condition partly discharged.