Land Contamination in Elmbridge: Get a Rapid Report

Contaminated Land Help for Elmbridge Borough Council

Elmbridge Borough Council is committed to managing contaminated sites to ensure safe and sustainable development. Recognising the importance of reusing previously developed land, the council has established policies and guidance to help developers to address land contamination issues effectively.

Contaminated land refers to areas where substances such as heavy metals, oils, tars, chemical solvents, gases, asbestos, or radioactive materials are present at levels that could pose risks to human health or the environment. In the Elmbridge Borough Council area, historical industrial activities have contributed to land pollution, including:

• Sand and gravel extraction.
• Landfilling of waste.
• Gasworks.
• Aviation works and motor sports.
• Defence-related activity.
• Industrial estates.

Elmbridge Borough Council policy

Elmbridge Borough Council adheres to the legal framework established by Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This legislation mandates local authorities to identify and remediate polluted land to protect human health and the environment. The council’s Contaminated Land Strategy outlines procedures for site inspection, risk assessment, and remediation. Currently, there is no land within Elmbridge that has been formally classified as ‘contaminated’ under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Elmbridge Borough Council has produced the `Planning Guidance for the Redevelopment of Land Potentially Affected by Contamination’ document outlining best practices for assessing and managing land contamination. Paragraph 197 of the National Planning Policy Framework also relates to contaminated sites.

Elmbridge Borough Council encourages the redevelopment of brownfield sites – previously developed land that may be contaminated. This approach aims to reduce pressure on greenfield areas and support sustainable growth. Elmbridge Borough Council’s development plan policy states: “Development affecting contaminated land will be permitted provided that the site is suitable for its intended use.” The council’s Vision 2030 emphasises the importance of reusing brownfield land for new projects.

Elmbridge Borough Council & contaminated sites

If you’re considering developing a potentially contaminated site in Elmbridge, follow these steps:

• Pre-application consultation: Engage with the council’s planning department early to discuss potential contamination issues. A contaminated land risk assessment is likely to be needed.
• Preliminary Risk Assessment: Conduct a desk study and site walkover to identify potential contamination sources and pathways. The assessment is conducted by a geo-environmental consultant according to the Environment Agency’s Land Contamination Risk Management guidelines.
• Site investigation: If necessary, perform detailed investigations, including soil and groundwater sampling.
• Remediation strategy: Develop a comprehensive plan to remediate identified contaminants.
• Validation and reporting: After remediation, provide evidence to the council that the site meets all required standards.

Geo-environmental consultants

Geo-environmental consultants assess potentially contaminated sites: they conduct assessments, desk studies, site investigations, and risk assessments. They also create remediation plans to remove contamination or mitigate for it and liaise with local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure legal and environmental compliance.

Reusing sites

Elmbridge Borough Council’s proactive approach to managing contaminated areas ensures that development is both safe and sustainable. Collaboration with developers and consultants enables the council to facilitate the transformation of historically contaminated sites into valuable spaces.

For information about how Arbtech’s expert geo-environmental consultants can help you, fill in our quick quote form at the top of this page.