The identification and safe re-use of contaminated land plays a key part in the sustainable development of the area.

The first Contaminated Land Strategy (Phase 1) was published in July 2001.  A revised strategy is currently in preparation.

During the inspection of land within its area the local authority must undertake a formal risk assessment.  A two-stage approach to identify contaminated land has been adopted:

Stage 1 - Risk Screening to prioritise sites for further inspection.
Stage 2 - Detailed Site Inspection risk assessment.

Stage 1 risk screening has been carried out, and data is being verified.  Stage 2 desktop and site investigations are in progress.  Because of the potential for harm from contaminated sites there will be scope for flexibility.  Sites requiring immediate attention will be dealt with when they arise.

The Council's priorities in order of importance will be: -

• To protect human health
• To protect controlled waters
• To protect designated ecosystems
• To prevent damage to property
• To prevent any further land contamination
• To encourage voluntary remediation
• To encourage the re-use of land considered to be brownfield or contaminated

The Pollution Control Team are consulted with regard to contaminated land when a planning application is made for developments on previously used land (brownfield sites) which may be affected by contamination.

We may require conditions to be attached to a planning permission requiring a site investigation and remediation works to be carried out.  At the present time, no sites within the jurisdiction of Nottingham City Council have been determined as "contaminated land" under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 Part IIA legislation.

We have been working with other Local Authorities in Nottinghamshire to produce a guide for developers of land where previous contamination uses may have occurred. The guide should also provide a consistent approach to the development of contaminated land in Nottingham. For more information about contaminated land, its definition and links to legislation documents, click here to view the What is Contaminated Land? page.