Contaminated land in Middlesbrough: support with planning applications
Middlesbrough Council is responsible for identifying and managing contaminated land within its area, to ensure that any development is safe for both people and the environment. Contaminated land remediation by developers or property owners is a key part of this strategy, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Middlesbrough’s industrial history
The second half of the 19th century saw the rapid expansion of Middlesbrough’s iron and steel industries, followed by a surge in the petrochemical industry, all before the introduction of modern legislation controls on industrial development.
While air and water pollution have been brought under control, contaminated land land is still an issue, particularly on old sites north of the town, close to the River Tees. Contaminated land can be found on former industrial land, waste disposal sites, and areas where chemicals were manufactured or stored.
Substances that typically contaminate land include oils, chemicals, heavy metals, tars, gases, asbestos, pesticides and radioactive materials. Such substances may pose risks to human health or the environment.
If contaminated land is discovered, property owners must carry out a series of steps, from site investigations to land remediation strategies, to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Legislation and regulatory requirements
The legal definition of contaminated land is given in the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Part 2a, as land where substances in, on, or under the ground, cause or have the potential to cause, significant harm to human health, the environment or controlled waters. Middlesbrough Council is bound by legislation contained in Part 2a, which mandates local authorities to monitor and remediate contaminated sites.
Responsibility for following the correct protocol when developing contaminated areas rests on landowners or developers, according to Paragraph 197 of the National Planning Policy Framework. Contaminated land is also referred to in the Planning Practice Guidance and the Building Regulations and Environmental Permitting Regulations.
Middlesbrough Council’s contaminated land strategy:
- Identifying and removing unacceptable risks to human health and the environment.
- Seeking land remediation through the development management system.
- Encouraging voluntary remediation of sites where appropriate.
- Ensuring that contaminated land is made suitable for its current use.
Reuse of brownfield land
The redevelopment of brownfield (previously developed) land that may be contaminated is encouraged. By promoting such land, the council aims to lessen development on greenfield areas and oversee growth in sustainable areas where it is needed. Middlesbrough Council has a historic land use register containing old maps and documents relating to local land use. It has a duty to inspect and legal powers to remediate former industrial land.
Developing Contaminated Land in Middlesbrough
Pre-Application Consultation
Initiate discussions with your local authority at the start of your project to identify any potential issues related to your site. This proactive approach helps clarify the necessary documentation and assessments required for your planning application. For sites with current or historical industrial or commercial uses, a contaminated land risk assessment is often a prerequisite before the application can advance.
Preliminary Risk Assessment (Phase 1)
The initial phase involves a desk-based study coupled with a site walkover to detect possible sources and pathways of contamination. This assessment includes researching the site’s historical usage to pinpoint potential contamination sources. Geo-environmental consultants typically conduct this evaluation in line with the Environment Agency’s Land Contamination Risk Management guidelines. Developing a conceptual site model may be part of this process to aid understanding of the contamination risks.
Detailed Site Investigation (Phase 2)
If the preliminary risk assessment indicates potential contamination, a more in-depth investigation is required. This phase involves on-site sampling and testing of soil and groundwater to confirm the presence and extent of contamination. The findings help determine the necessity and scope of any remediation efforts.
Remediation Strategy
Upon gathering all pertinent data, a comprehensive remediation strategy must be formulated to address identified contamination issues. This plan should ensure that the site meets all regulatory standards and is safe for its intended future use.
Validation and Reporting
After completing remediation activities, it’s essential to compile and submit a validation report to the local authority. This document should provide evidence that the remediation has been successful and that the site complies with all relevant safety and environmental regulations.
Safe remediation of polluted sites
In promoting the redevelopment of historically contaminated sites, one of Middlesbrough Council’s key aims is to oversee the creation of safe, useable sites that will not present any risks to human health, the wider environment or controlled waters.
By following the contaminated land site assessment process, landowners and developers will be able to understand the amount of remediation work required, if any, to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements laid out in the Environmental Protection Act..
Arbtech’s experienced geo-environmental consultants can help you assess how land with contamination issues should best be dealt with. For further information, fill in our quick quote form at the top of this page.