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Last updated: 25/10/2011
Expires: 2/5/2012
Section containing information regarding contaminated land issues.
To make an online request for information please click here.
Is the land I am interested in contaminated?
Is there a charge for making a contaminated land enquiry?
How can I test the land for contamination?
Where can I find more information?
Some land in this country has been contaminated in the past by industries such as:
These are often called brownfield sites.
Brownfield sites can be a problem for two reasons:
However, brownfield sites do not generally cause a problem unless they are redeveloped for a different use.
Land is only declared 'contaminated' if:
These three elements together are known as the pollutant linkage.
If you own or occupy contaminated land now, or you did in the past, you may be responsible for cleaning up the pollution. You may still be responsible for cleaning up the pollution after you have sold the land.
Some contamination can be a hazard to current occupants or neighbours and the law says the problem must be put right immediately.
The law follows the 'polluter pays' principle - the person or organisation that caused or permitted the contamination must pay to have it put right. If that person or organisation is not known, then the current owner of the land may become responsible.
Owners and occupiers of domestic properties are not usually liable for these costs.
The approval of an application for redevelopment of these sites will only be granted on condition that the contamination is cleaned up to a standard that makes it suitable for the new use of the land.
You should obtain specialist advice from an environmental consultant or a specialist lawyer before you buy or sell contaminated land.
The council is responsible for enforcing the 'contaminated land' legislation. The council:
In some cases the Environment Agency may take over the regulation of a site from the council, once it has been declared as 'contaminated land'.
Stafford Borough Council - Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy*
* This is an Acrobat document. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it.
FAQ
Is the land I am interested in contaminated?
Land which has contaminants on it which have a significant risk of causing harm will appear on the Stafford Borough Contaminated Land Register. You will need to speak to the Pollution Control Officer if you wish to examine this register. Please use the contact details provided at the top of this page. TOP
Is there a charge for making a contaminated land enquiry?
If the land appears on the contaminated land register, there is no charge for the enquiry. If the land has not yet been assessed for contamination, there is a standard search fee of approximately £93.00. This search will not categorically determine whether or not the land in question will appear on the register. TOP
How can I test the land for contamination?
If the land is Public Open Space or has a public footpath and access, Stafford Borough Council will be able to investigate whether there is a significant risk of harm.
If the land is private with no public access, a specialist contractor should be employed to take and analyse appropriate samples. Contact the Pollution Control Officer using the details at the top of this page for a list of ground investigation contractors. Please note, the Council cannot recommend a particular contractor. TOP
Where can I find more information?
A guide is available to make developers, landowners and their advisors, aware of the information that Staffordshire Councils require in assessing an application for planning consent on land that may be affected by contamination.
