Although the contaminated land regime relates to current uses of land, the findings from preliminary stages of inspection under the Contaminated Land Strategy will also be useful in the context of redevelopment of sites for new uses.  For example, the Government & Devolved Administrations have set a target that 60% of all new houses should be built on brownfield sites in order to relieve the pressure on greenfield locations, and help conserve the countryside.

The information gathered for the purpose of inspecting the borough for the most significantly contaminated sites will help achieve this, allowing potential contamination issues to be highlighted at the early stages of planning. Remediation measures can then be incorporated in proposed schemes for re-development of former industrial land for commercial & domestic uses.

Supplementary mechanisms are in place within the planning (development & building control) process to ensure that potentially contaminated sites are investigated &/or remediated to a standard suitable for the proposed / intended use, as proposals for new developments or significant groundworks are submitted.

Investigations are often performed voluntarily, either in conjunction with, or prior to the submission of a planning application.  Investigative work can assist in the sale of development land, or serve as an environmental incentive to aid in securing planning permission.

In addition to this, conditions may imposed on planning permissions granted by Havant Borough Council Development Control in order to ensure that any proposed schemes do not adversely affect the health of future site users, or detriment facilities & services (i.e. potable water supply), ecology, or property.  

These provisions help ensure that sites contaminated by previous industrial uses or pollution incidents can be brought back into use in line with Central Government targets, and be of benefit to both society & the wider environment.

The Hampshire & Isle of Wight advice leaflet for development on Potentially Contaminated Land (Adobe Reader Required, 407Kb) >> is available on-line as a *.pdf file (adobe Reader Required, 407kb), and is intended for both property developers & owners of development land.

    The leaflet outlines the process for investigation & assessment of new development sites, as agreed by all the local authorities in Hampshire, and including sections on:

•  Legislative Background
•  The Phased Assessment Approach
•  Development of Conceptual Models
•  Analysis Requirements
•  Site Evaluation
•  Qualitative & Quantitative Risk Assessment Techniques
•  Site Completion & Validation Works
•  Available Guidance Documents, and useful Web Links

    In addition, the leaflet provides a standard site assessment remediation & completion statement (Microsoft Word Required, 346Kb) >> for site owners/developers. 

This is document is intended as a summary sheet, detailing the site assessment history, remedial works undertaken, and the verification of works.   This document will assist in the discharge of planning conditions, helping to maintain accurate records, and improve the information available for, and confidence of, prospective purchasers of either land or developed units where potentially contaminating uses or features are flagged up on commercial environmental searches.