Land contamination in London
London’s industrial past and rapid development have left contaminated areas which must be addressed before any new building or redevelopment. Understanding land contamination issues is crucial for a smooth journey through the planning process.
A contaminated land consultant will be able to guide you through the planning process, create a contaminated land strategy and provide the required environmental reports.
What Is Contaminated Land?
Contaminated land refers to sites where substances in the soil, groundwater, or gas, such as heavy metals, oils, solvents, asbestos, or ground gases, pose a risk to human health, property, or the environment.
In the UK, this issue falls under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which requires local authorities to identify and manage contaminated land. The Environment Agency’s Land Contamination Risk Management (LCRM) framework sets out the standards for addressing contamination correctly, and the National Planning Policy Framework also has guidelines.
Leaving contaminated sites unmanaged can create risks to human health, buildings and groundwater pollution.
London’s Industrial Legacy
London was once home to heavy industries, chemicals plants, gasworks, shipyards, railway yards, and landfill sites which have left contamination behind, including:
- Heavy metals (lead, arsenic).
- Petroleum hydrocarbons.
- Solvents, acids, tars, asbestos.
- Landfill gases.
London’s Contaminated Land Policy
Responsibility for contamination lies with each London borough council as well as the Greater London Authority. Their main concerns when dealing with contaminated land are:
- Protecting public health and the environment.
- Supporting safe redevelopment.
- Encouraging development of brownfield sites
- Ensuring compliance with national and London Plan policies
These authorities maintain contaminated land registers, and use the planning process to ensure contaminated land is made safe before it is formally determined to be fit for redevelopment.
Managing Contaminated Land
A contaminated land risk assessment typically includes:
Phase 1: Preliminary Risk Assessment (Desk Study):
Reviewing maps, environmental records and a site walkover.
Phase 2: Site Investigation:
An environmental search involving soil, groundwater, and gas sampling.
Remediation Strategy:
If the environmental information reveals contamination, a contaminated land strategy is devised to remove or contain it, in line with the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Validation Report:
This confirms the site has been remediated and is suitable for reuse.
Brownfield Redevelopment
London is committed to reusing brownfield land, according to the London Plan, to help meet housing and infrastructure needs without using greenfield land.
Examples of contaminated site regeneration include King’s Cross Central and Canary Wharf, demonstrating how contaminated land London can be successfully rehabilitated.
Developing Contaminated Land in London?
- Check local records: Discover whether the site is registered as contaminated.
- Hire a specialist: A qualified contaminated land consultant can guide you through the assessment process.
- Plan early: Submit environmental reports at the planning application stage.
- Be prepared: If contaminated land is confirmed, budget for remediation works.
The Role of a Contaminated Land Consultant
- Conduct a Phase 1 desk study and site walkover.
- Coordinate Phase 2 soil/groundwater/gas testing.
- Develop a remediation plan.
- Oversee clean-up work and prepare the validation report.
Assess Land Contamination
Contaminated land in London doesn’t have to be a barrier – it can present an opportunity. With careful assessment of past uses, professional expertise, and remediation, brownfield sites can support the city’s future.
If you want to develop land in London, liaise with an experienced consultant to devise a contaminated land strategy that complies with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the National Planning Policy Framework.
Our contaminated land consultants operate in London and can provide the full range of reports and environmental information required to support your planning application.
For a free quote, complete our contact form or get in touch by email or telephone. If you decide to accept our quote, we will arrange a convenient site visit appointment.