Residential Development, Hall Lane, Great Eccleston, PR3

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 not been developed. With the land to the north developed between 2010 and 2014.

A number of ponds were noted within 50m 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 (two were noted) were located and studied, no salient information was obtained

A Phase I desk study report for the site on the northern boundary was prepared in December 2011, this was reviewed and the report concluded that no further works were warranted.

The published geological maps identified the site as being underlain Devensian Till which was in turn underlain b the Kirkham Mudstone Member. No borehole records were available through the BGS.

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

On completion of the desk based research a site reconnaissance visit was undertaken, this confirmed the site  was an open parcel of land.

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 the report concluded that no further works were warranted.

The report was submitted (16/00744/DIS) to discharge the contaminated land planning condition.