Page 292 - All files for Planning Inspectorate update

Comment for Development Control

Consultee: Oliver Benson BSc (Hons)
Contaminated Land and Environmental Protection Officer
st
Date of reply: 21 march 2019
Planning reference DM/19/1025
Site address: E D F Energy Wealden House Lewes Road Ashurst Wood
East Grinstead West Sussex RH19 3TB
Description: Proposed new build residential development consisting of
54 units following the demolition of all existing site buildings.
Other reference: SR/19/0956

Main Comments:

The application looks to build 54 residential units following the demolition of the current
buildings on site.

Mapping indicates that the site has two in-filled pits within its curtilage, the contents of which
are unknown. There is also an electricity substation on site. Substations due to their
composition have a number of products and materials which may have the potential to
cause localised contamination. Of initial concern are PCB’s (Poly Chloride Biphenyl’s) and
any localised mineral oils used as lubricants. These particular chemicals are not obvious to
the naked eye and would have implications for human health.

Due to the above, and the size and sensitivity of the proposed development, a phased
contaminated land condition should be attached to ensure the site is safely developed for
its end use.

Additionally a discovery strategy should also be attached, so that in the event that
contamination not already identified through the desktop study is found, that works stop until
such time that a further assessment has been made, and further remediation methods put
in place if needed.

Recommendation: Approve with conditions

1) No works pursuant to this permission shall commence until there has been
submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority before
development commences or within such extended period as may be
agreed with the Local Planning Authority:

a) A desk study report documenting all the previous and existing land uses
of the site and adjacent land in accordance with best practice including
BS10175:2011+A1:2013 Investigation of potentially contaminated sites
- code of practice. The report shall contain a conceptual model showing
the potential pathways that exposure to contaminants may occur both
during and after development;

and unless otherwise agreed in writing by the LPA,

b) A site investigation report documenting the ground conditions of the site
and incorporating chemical and gas analysis identified as appropriate
by the desk study created in accordance with BS10175:2011+A1:2013