Elmbridge, like much of the UK, has an industrial history. Former industrial and brownfield sites have the potential to have been contaminated through the release of pollutants rendering them unsafe to human health and the wider environment.
Part 2A of The Environmental Protection Act 1990 deals with land contamination where no appropriate alternative exists. The redevelopment of brownfield land via the planning system is the main route for remediation to make the land safe and suitable for its new use.
Homeowners living on a former brownfield site need to be aware that future development of the land, for example any extension, may need to consider past historical contamination to ensure the home remains safe and suitable.
The redevelopment of land within the borough supports the council's Vision 2030 for a sustainable, thriving Elmbridge driven by the power of our community.
Contaminated Land Strategy
Our Contaminated Land Strategy sets out how the council will implement legislation and guidance to manage risks to human health and the wider environment from the current use of land where no alternative solution exists.
Currently, there is no land within Elmbridge that has been formally classified as ‘contaminated land’ under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Planning guidance for the redevelopment of land potentially affected by contamination
Planning is the primary route for the redevelopment of brownfield land ensuring developments are safe and suitable for their new use.
The council, with the help of the country's leading environmental consultant, has produced specific planning guidance to help developers navigate what can be a complex area.
For the recognised best practice in managing land contamination see GOV.UK: Land contamination – technical guidance.
Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) enquiry about contaminated land
Make an EIR enquiry about contaminated land