How does land contamination relate to the planning system?
Land contamination is an important planning consideration for new development. If a development site has had any previous industrial uses or has been used for the disposal or treatment of wastes, there is a potential for the site to be contaminated. About 8,000 planning applications are submitted in Leeds each year, many of which involve development on potentially contaminated sites.
When is it necessary to submit information in support of planning applications?
Where there is reason to suspect that a site may be contaminated AND there is the possibility that the contamination may affect the proposed development, the applicant will be required to submit reports in support of their planning application. The council has produced guidance in the form of two leaflets - the 'blue leaflet', which provides a summary of the types and expected content of such reports and the 'yellow leaflet', which provides more detailed information about the development of sites for residential end-use. The leaflets can be downloaded free of charge from the link on this page and should be read in conjunction with each other.
- For all types of potentially contaminated site where there is reason to suspect that the contamination could impact on the proposed development, a Phase I desk study report (*) must be submitted with the planning application form.
- For more sensitive end uses (eg housing with gardens, allotments), a minimum of a Phase I (*) desk study shall be required in all circumstances. Where there is reason to suspect contamination, a Phase II intrusive investigation report(*) and remediation statement(*) are likely to be required prior to granting planning permission.
(*) Details in the 'blue leaflet'.
What happens to your application and the submitted reports?
To ensure safe development, applications and supporting reports are reviewed by the contaminated land team and recommendations are made to planning officers regarding the imposing and discharging of planning conditions related to land contamination.
The team also liaises with applicants to:
- discuss information requirements (both pre- and post-application).
- request additional information and revisions to proposed actions, as necessary, to safeguard public health or the environment
- to advise planning officers on whether a site has complied with the relevant planning conditions
It is the responsibility of the developer to ensure that a development is safe and 'suitable for use' for the purpose for which it is intended.
Pre-application discussions regarding our requirements are welcomed.
Need to contact us?
Contaminated Land Team
Minerals and Waste Planning Group
Sustainable Development Unit
Development Department
The Leonardo Building
2 Rossington Street
Leeds LS2 8HD
Fax: 0113 2476484
or contact us by email from the link on this page