Planning-led Phase 1 desk studies to support development decisions, planning submissions and contaminated land condition discharge.
Our Phase 1 Contaminated Land Assessments are prepared with a clear understanding of how local planning authorities assess land contamination risk and apply contaminated land planning conditions.
We focus on producing planning-grade desk studies that do more than describe site history. Our reports clearly identify geotechnical and environmental risks, define regulatory pathways, and explain exactly what is required to progress the site toward the discharge of conditions.
We operate on a transparent, risk-based approach. Where a Phase 1 assessment demonstrates that contamination risks are low or can be ruled out, we clearly state this. We do not promote intrusive investigation unless it is technically justified and supported by the risk assessment.
This gives clients confidence that recommendations are driven by site risk and planning requirements, not by the opportunity to upsell additional stages of work.
In parallel, our Phase 1 assessments are structured to inform downstream reuse, earthworks and remediation strategies, allowing contamination considerations to be built into development design early, where the greatest programme and cost savings are achieved.
For project specific advice
Phase 1 assessments align with the Environment Agency’s Land Contamination Risk Management framework, ensuring reports satisfy the requirements for discharging contaminated land conditions.
Each assessment is tailored to the site’s unique history, setting and proposed use, avoiding generic conclusions and unnecessary onward works.
We translate findings into a definitive strategy, stating clearly whether no further works, targeted investigation, or remediation is required. Every recommendation is proportionate to risk and planning necessity, avoiding unnecessary investigation, delay and cost.
Risk is assessed in the context of your proposed layout. By informing earthworks and remediation strategies early, we support material reuse and help avoid abortive construction costs.
A Phase 1 Contaminated Land Assessment (often referred to as a Desk Study or Preliminary Risk Assessment) is the first stage in the contaminated land process typically required by local planning authorities.
It involves a review of historical land use, environmental datasets, regulatory records and site setting to identify potential sources of contamination, potential pathways and potential receptors.
A well-prepared Phase 1 assessment does not simply compile information. It establishes a robust Conceptual Site Model and provides a clear, defensible conclusion on whether contamination risks are likely and what actions are required to make the land suitable for its proposed use.
The scope of our desk studies is always proportionate to the site context and planning requirements, typically comprising of:
Contaminated land risk influences decisions from acquisition through to construction.
We support projects across the full development lifecycle.
Early contaminated land risk screening to inform acquisition decisions, abnormal cost exposure and programme risk.
Phase 1 assessments to support planning submissions and address contaminated land validation requirements.
Phase 1 reporting to satisfy pre-commencement contaminated land conditions and define onward scope.
Interpretation of risk to inform layout, earthworks, remediation and reuse strategies.
If required, and were risks are identified, seamless progression to intrusive investigation, remediation strategy, materials management and validation reporting.
Review of planning status, site context and development proposals to confirm scope and requirements.
Preparation of a project-specific Phase 1 Contaminated Land Assessment. Phase 1 reports issued within 5 working days of instruction.
Review with you, refinement as required, and support responding to planning or environmental officer comments. Revisions included at no additional cost.
If required – design of intrusive Phase 2 investigations, remediation, reuse strategies, and verification plans, where technically justified by initial risk assessments.
We provide the expertise to simplify complex challenges for faster approvals of tough planning requirements.
Still have any questions about Phase 1 assessments or planning?
Typically where planning conditions, validation checklists or site history indicate potential contamination risk.
Phase 1 reports are issued within 5 working days of instruction. Revisions are included at no additional cost.
No. Many Phase 1 assessments conclude that no further works are required. We only recommend intrusive investigation where it is technically justified and supported by the risk assessment.
Yes. Our assessments are structured to inform reuse, earthworks and remediation strategies early, helping maximise on-site recovery and avoid unnecessary disposal and import during construction.
Yes. We routinely support responses to contaminated land and environmental officer queries.
Yes. We provide continuity of technical support through investigation, remediation design, materials management and verification.
