Erection of Three Dwellings, Green Lane, Moston, Sandbach, Cheshire, CW11

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 had been developed before the first edition (1875) map, a pond was present on the eastern boiundary of the site which was in-filled circa 1898.

A number of ponds 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 applications 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 Wilkesley Halite Member. A borehole was available 45m north east fo the dsite, thios confirmed the presence of clay to 8.3mbgl.

Data provided by regulatory bodies confirmed the presence of a number of ponds within 250m of the site.

On completion of the desk based research a site reconnaissance visit was undertaken, this confirmed two buildings were present on site which had been used to house livestock and fodder. Exposed soils were npted at a number of locations and observations of made ground was limited to rare inclusions of brick.

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 of contamination posed a credible risk and concluded that no further assessment was warranted.

The report was submitted to discharge the contaminated land planning condition (15/4175d) the recommendations of the report approved and the condition disacharged.