New Welsh planning guidance was released in November 2012 which reaffirmed that, whilst local planning authorities will ensure that their policies and decisions are consistent with current best practice, it is the developer who is required to ensure that land is suitable for development in accordance with Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Under the new guidance local planning authorities will continue to take into account the potential risks that contamination presents to the development itself, its occupants and the local environment as part of their decision process. The process will be based on the results of specialist investigation and risk assessments completed on behalf of the developer to determine the contamination status of a site and identify any necessary remedial measures. Only once acceptable plans are presented would the local planning authority consider granting planning permission with suitable conditions to ensure the agreed measures are implemented.
ESI is working closely with land owners and developers conducting specialist site investigations risk assessments in support of gaining planning approval. ESI has an excellent record and is highly experienced in the assessment of potentially contaminated sites, discussing appropriate remedial measures with local planning authorities and implementing remediation schemes across the UK. Each sites assessment and investigation requirements are tailored to the proposed end use (i.e. residential, commercial etc) with services including Phase I and Phase II contaminated land assessments, detailed risk assessments, remediation strategies and verification plans all designed such that planning permission may be granted for the development.
News article prepared by James Mortimer – Project Consultant, ESI