In order to discharge the first part of the condition a Phase I desk study report was required.  A desk study report assesses the potential for a site to be impacted by elevated levels of contamination rising form historical uses of both the site and the surrounds.

The history of the site and the surrounds were researched using a combination of O.S. maps, aerial plates and street level imagery. The review indicated the site was developed circa 1963 when the adjoining dwelling was erected. A number of excavations/sand pits were noted on the maps in close proximity to the site.

Information provided by regulators did not identify any other potential sources of contamination.

On completion of the desk based assessment a site walkover survey was undertaken, which revealed the

site comprised of a sloping garden associated with the adjacent dwelling, hand held boreholes were excavated as part of the walkover survey which demonstrated the absence of made ground on the site.

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Whilst the initial report discounted the excavations (sand pit) to the south as credible sources, a number of queries were raised by the planning authority. In order to provide additional information a  second walkover was undertaken once permission from the landowner of the area of the excavations had given permission. The additional walkover survey identified the excavations on the previous O.S. maps had not been in-filled (current contours are similar to the contours of the excavation) and were discounted as a credible source of ground gases.

The revised desk study report was accepted by the local authority and the contaminated land planning condition was discharged.