Contaminated Land in Oxfordshire: Immediate Assessments

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Support with planning applications

If you’re considering developing land in Oxfordshire, it’s essential to understand the county’s approach to contaminated land. While Oxfordshire County Council handles strategic planning, responsibility for managing contaminated land lies with the district and city councils, such as Oxford City Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, and West Oxfordshire District Council. These local authorities work collaboratively to ensure that contaminated land is appropriately managed to facilitate safe and sustainable development.

Planning guidance

To provide consistent guidance, the Oxfordshire Contaminated Land Group Consortium, comprising representatives from all Oxfordshire authorities and the Environment Agency, has produced the “Dealing with Land Contamination During Development: A Guide for Developers.”

Common issues with contaminated land in Oxfordshire

The term `contaminated land’, refers to areas where potentially dangerous substances like oil, tar, heavy metals or chemical solvents are present at potentially dangerous levels, according to the Environment Agency. Historical industrial activities have left contamination, including:

• Areas previously used for industrial purposes.
• Waste disposal sites.
• Sites previously used for chemical manufacturing or storing petroleum products.
• Intensive farming practices.

The law and contaminated land

Oxfordshire’s local authorities adhere to the legal framework established by Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 which mandates local authorities to identify and remediate contaminated land. Paragraph 197 of the National Planning Policy Framework makes developers or landowners responsible for the safe redevelopment of contaminated land.

Promoting brownfield redevelopment

The councils encourage the redevelopment of brownfield sites – previously developed land that may be contaminated. This approach aims to balance urban development with environmental protection.

Developing Contaminated Land in Oxfordshire

The councils’ guidance documents explain the steps to take:

• Pre-Application Consultation: Discuss your site with local planning authority to clarify the required assessments: a contaminated land risk assessment will usually be needed.
• Preliminary Risk Assessment: This involves a desk study and site walkover to identify potential contamination. This must be carried out according to the Environment Agency Land Contamination Risk Management guidelines.
• Site Investigation: If necessary, perform investigations including soil and groundwater sampling.
• Remediation Strategy: Develop a plan to remediate identified contaminants.
• Validation and Reporting: Provide evidence to the council that the site meets all safety and Environment Agency standards.

Council policy: regenerate urban areas

Oxfordshire’s proactive approach to managing contaminated land, involving developers and consultants, aims to ensure that development within the county is both safe and sustainable.

Arbtech’s experienced geo-environmental consultants can help you assess how land with contamination issues should best be dealt with. For more information, fill in our quick quote form at the top of this page.