Specialists in Contaminated Land for Planning

​

Our surveys are designed for developers across the UK who need clear answers fast. Whether your site may contain hydrocarbons, asbestos, heavy metals, ground gases, VOCs, pesticides or other harmful substances, our team can assess the risks and guide you through the planning system with confidence.

Highly experienced contaminated land consultants undertake all assessments, applying industry-standard methods and practical insight gained from numerous successful planning applications.

With our clear reporting and straightforward advice, we help countless projects move from delay to approval.

​

Why Developers Choose Us

​

• Nationwide coverage—consultants located throughout the UK

• Fixed-fee, bespoke quotations for every project

• Friendly guidance from start to finish

• Rapid turnaround on all reports

​

Understanding Contaminated Land

​

Land is classified as contaminated when hazardous substances are present at levels that pose a risk to human health, buildings, controlled waters or protected ecological receptors.

​

This issue is governed by several key pieces of legislation including:

• The Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Part 2A)

• The Town and Country Planning Act 1990

• The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

• Planning Practice Guidance (Land Affected by Contamination)

​

Local planning authorities often require developers to demonstrate that a site is suitable for its intended use. A contaminated land survey provides that assurance.

​

Where Contamination Commonly Occurs

​

Contaminants can be found in a wide range of settings, such as:

• Brownfield sites

• Former industrial or manufacturing land

• Petrol stations and fuel storage areas

• Agricultural sites and old farmyards

• Dry cleaners and laundries

• Laboratories and hospitals

• Railway depots

• Landfill sites or fly-tipping hotspots

• Shipyards, power plants, tanneries, foundries

• Historic demolition sites and asbestos-containing structures

​

Industrial, storage and mixed-use land typically present the highest likelihood of pollution, sometimes built up over several decades.

​

How Land Becomes Contaminated

​

Contamination can result from direct spills, improper waste disposal, leaks, atmospheric deposits, or the long-term effects of historic industry.

​

Some common causes include:

• Fuel leaks and oil spills

• Chemical handling, storage or processing

• Buried waste, demolition rubble, or asbestos debris

• Agricultural pesticides and fertilisers

• Ground gases and vapours from former industrial use

• Solvents from dry-cleaning

• Heavy metals from manufacturing or engineering

• Fire-fighting foams, PFAS and other legacy chemicals

​

Depending on the type and extent, contamination can travel into groundwater, affect soil quality, or pose long-term risks to occupants and surrounding environments.

​

How Contamination Affects Development

​

Unchecked contamination can impact a project in several ways:

​

Planning & Legal:

• Extra conditions imposed by the council

• Delayed approval

• Mandatory risk assessments and remediation

​

Financial:

• Increased construction cost

• Reduced site value

• Ongoing monitoring requirements

​

Practical:

• Design restrictions

• Ground stability concerns

• Health and safety risks

​

A professional contaminated land assessment resolves these issues early, preventing bigger problems later in the development process.

​

What Happens During a Contaminated Land Survey?

​

Our assessments follow the standard phased approach used by local authorities and the Environment Agency.

​

Phase 1 – Desk Study (Preliminary Risk Assessment)

This initial stage combines:

• Historical mapping review

• Environmental database searches

• Site walkover

• Identification of potential pollutant linkages

Most planning departments require at least a Phase 1 report before considering approval.

​

Phase 2 – Site Investigation (If Required)

If the Phase 1 highlights possible risks, we carry out an intrusive site investigation involving:

• Soil and groundwater sampling

• Trial pits or boreholes

• Laboratory chemical analysis

• Ground gas or vapour monitoring (if necessary)

​

Phase 3 – Remediation Strategy

Where contamination exceeds acceptable levels, we prepare a tailored remediation plan which may include:

• Soil removal or treatment

• Capping layers

• Gas protection measures

• Waste management and disposal

• Long-term monitoring proposals

​

Phase 4 – Verification / Completion Report

The final stage confirms that remediation has been completed and the land is now suitable for its proposed use. This is the document councils rely on to discharge contaminated land conditions.

​

Our Contaminated Land Consultants

​

Our specialists operate nationwide and have extensive experience navigating planning requirements. Their combined technical knowledge and real-world insight ensure your assessment is compliant, efficient and tailored to your development.

We stay fully aligned with the latest Environment Agency guidance (LCRM), local authority expectations, and industry best practice.

​

Cost of a Contaminated Land Survey

​

Costs vary depending on:

• The size of the site

• The development type

• Whether intrusive investigation is required

• The level of reporting needed

Instead of using generic fixed prices, we provide a bespoke quote for every project so you only pay for the work you actually need. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quotation.

​

Book a Contaminated Land Assessment

​

If you’re ready to move forward—or simply want some guidance—our team is here to help. Get in touch by phone, email or through our website, and we’ll prepare a tailored quote based on your site and development plans.

Once approved, we’ll arrange a survey date, complete your assessment and provide a clear, planning-ready report to keep your project moving.

​

​

​​