Contaminated land
Contaminated land includes land polluted by:
- heavy metals
- oils
- chemical substances
- gases
- asbestos
- radioactive substances
For more information about contaminated land please visit GOV.UK - contaminated land.
Inspection strategy
Under Part II A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, all local authorities have a duty to inspect their land to identify where contamination is present. This is to make sure that the appropriate person (the polluter) is made to improve the land to a standard that makes it ‘suitable for its use’. We have written an inspection strategy which details how it intends to carry out its duties under this legislation.
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Planning permission
When an application is made to the council for planning permission, we check our records for historical land use and other environmental factors. If necessary, a condition will be added to the planning authorisation stating that a desktop study must be carried out into the condition of the land.
If the survey shows that the site could be contaminated, an intrusive site investigation must then be carried out. This is to determine the content and extent of the contamination. The land must then be remediated to a standard that makes it suitable for the end use of the site.
Preventing contamination
We are also involved with the preventing pollution that could lead to the contamination of land. Along with the Environment Agency, we are responsible for the authorisation and monitoring of all polluting processes within Bracknell Forest. This makes sure that all industrial and commercial processes are actively controlled, and that appropriate standards are enforced.
How to make an enquiry
You can make an enquiry as to the condition of any piece of land within Bracknell Forest in line with the Freedom of Information Regulations. To do this please fill in the Freedom of information request form.
Contact information
Environment and Community Team