Development of Contaminated Land
In undertaking the development of brownfield land it is
important to ensure that all the risks associated with potential
land contamination have been addressed and that the land is
suitable for the intended end use.
Planning legislation and guidance places the responsibility on
landowners and developers to determine the extent of any
contamination on their site. The Vale of Glamorgan's duty is
to ensure that the landowners and developers carry out the
necessary work to deal with any land contamination in a responsible
and effective manner.
Where the ground conditions at development sites have the
potential to be affected by contamination, it is likely that the
Pollution Control Section will recommend that certain Planning
Conditions be applied in order to address this issue and make the
development suitable for use.
Planning Conditions are likely to suggest that the developers
(or those working on their behalf):
- Undertake a desk-top study to identify potential sources of
contamination
- Carry out an intrusive site investigation to assess the extent
and degree of contamination
- Perform a risk assessment to determine the level of risk posed
to site-users and the surrounding environment
- Design and execute a suitable strategy to address the risk
posed by contaminants of concern
- Certify/validate that all the works outlined above have been
undertaken with the agreement and satisfaction of the Local
Planning Authority
Guidance for Developers
In conjunction with other Welsh Local Authorities, we have
published 'Contaminated
Land: A Guide for Developers', a copy of which can be
downloaded.
This guidance has been prepared as a reference document for
developers and their advisers who may be involved in the
assessment, remediation and management of land contamination.
The document details the type of information required in order for
us to assess an application for planning permission on brownfield
land, in particular, where contamination may be present.
Anyone considering developing land that has had the potential to
be contaminated by its previous use is encouraged to contact the
Planning Department and the Pollution Control Section at the
earliest stages of the proposed development.