Contaminated land and development
This page is about contaminated land and its consideration in the development control process.
All planning applications have to be considered for potential land contamination issues to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) and with Planning Policy Statement (PPS23). Contamination does not preclude development, however, special measures may be required to ensure that the development is suitable for the proposed use.
Contaminated land must be considered by the developer on any site where:
- there is the potential for contamination to influence the site, for example due to historic use of the site having potential to cause contamination
- the proposed development is vulnerable, for example with housing, schools and hospitals.
In these instances information about former history of the site will need to be submitted by the developer as part of any planning application. The absence of this information may result in the planning application being rejected.
Where it is appropriate for development to proceed the applicant may be required to submit further information; or planning conditions may be imposed to ensure that the site will be suitable and safe for the end users, the environment and the public.
Guidance
We have produced guidance for developers, landowners and consultants who wish to re-develop or significantly change the use of land or buildings which could be affected by contamination, or introduce an end use that is vulnerable to contamination.
Last updated : 22/11/2010
