Erection of A Studio / Ancillary Accommodation, Dolphinholme, Lancaster, Lancashire

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 the erection of a dwelling.  The site was occupied by an agricultural building, the past use of the site have the potential to impact site soils.

A Phase I desk study report assess the potential for a site to be impacted by contamination, this is undertaken by researching the history of the site and the surrounds as well as a review of information held by regulatory bodies and a site visit.

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 that the site was developed prior to the first edition O.S. map and the site was occupied by a dwelling, glass houses and a walled garden.  A pond and excavation were also noted in close proximity to 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 was underlain by the Claughton Member.

Data provided by regulatory bodies confirmed the presence of the pond and excavation noted on the O.S. maps.

On completion of the desk based research a site reconnaissance visit was undertaken, this confirmed the site comprised of an access drive, part of the walled garden, a glass house, parking area and a two storey dwelling.

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 there were no credible sources of contamination and no further works were warranted.

The report was submitted to demonstrate the site was ’suitable or use’, the recommendations were accepted.