Planning and Land Contamination

The NI Regional Development Strategy to 2025 'Shaping our Future' has a target of building 60% of new homes within the existing urban footprint. This supports the development of previously used or so called ‘brownfield’ sites. Previous activities on such sites may have resulted in soil and groundwater contamination and it is therefore imperative that any risks associated with contamination are considered as part of the planning and redevelopment process to ensure the development site will be 'suitable for use.'

Planning applications for the redevelopment of sites potentially affected by contamination need to be accompanied by a preliminary risk assessment report, which will include a desk study with information on the historical uses of the site and its environmental setting. In the event of potential pollutant linkages being identified, a suitable quantitative risk assessment may be needed. The risk assessment approach should reflect the current UK technical framework as outlined in the Model Procedures for the Management of Land Contamination (CLR11)(.PDF 1.8Mb). Further guidance on risk assessment can be found on the Contaminated Land Guidance page.

If unacceptable risks are identified, a remediation strategy may be required. The remediation actions need to be undertaken to a standard that enables safe development and end-use of the site such that it would not meet the statutory definition of contaminated land under Part III of the Waste and Contaminated Land Order (Northern Ireland) 1997.

It remains the responsibility of the developer to undertake and demonstrate that the works have been effective in managing all risks.

Planning Officers will consult on planning applications where there is a potential contamination issue. The Environmental Health Department at the District Council will address issues relevant to human health whereas we will consider environmental aspects such as impacts to surface and groundwater.

Sites affected by contamination can be redeveloped successfully for a wide range of end uses. Gathering the appropriate information and understanding thoroughly the risks for the site ensures that they can be managed effectively within the overall development scheme.