Contaminated Land
This page gives information about issues concerning contaminated land in the borough of Oadby and Wigston including references to how it affects new development, land quality enquiries and the public register. It also includes a number of related documents and links.
The United Kingdom, along with other industrial nations, has a long history of industrial production which has resulted in a number of sites where land may be contaminated with materials from previous use. In come cases, this can result in soil and ground water pollution having the potential to cause harm to human health, water courses and the environment.
Examples of industrial processes which may leave harmful residues include waste disposal sites, old railway lines and former mining sites.
Under the Environment Act 1995, all local authorities are expected to have a strategy to identify any contaminated sites in their area and to ensure that any significant risks are dealt with.
This is mainly done by voluntary remediation of land, for example when it is redeveloped.
However, the council does have legal powers it can use where voluntary remediation is not possible.
Contaminated land and new development
Contaminated land is a consideration in the planning process, with land that will be subject to development being investigated to identify if it is contaminated. If it is, remediation work will be carried out as part of the new development process.
In partnership with other councils in Leicestershire, Oadby and Wigston has produced a guide for developers of potentially contaminated land sites which you can find at related documents.
Land quality enquiries
During a house sale, an environmental search will often be carried out, usually by a solicitor. If the site has previously been used for anything that may have been likely to cause lasting pollution, this is usually highlighted. If it is, the seller may be asked by the buyer to provide more information about the land the house is built on.
Public register
Any sites that are determined as contaminated land by the council or the Environment Agency must be kept on a public register.
There are currently no properties determined in this way in Oadby and Wigston and so our public register contains no entries.
Related Documents (1)
Frequently Asked Questions (4)
Once the fee has been paid, we will reply within 5 working days. In most cases this will be a full response but if we need more time for this, we will let you know.
£62.40 including VAT, for a single property.
Contaminated land if defined in Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as "any land which appears to the local authority in whose area it is situated to be in such a condition, by reason of substances in or under the land, that significant harm is being caused or there is a significant possibility of such harm being caused, or pollution of controlled waters is being, or is likely to be caused".
It is important to note that land that does not fit the legal definition of contaminated land may still be affected by contaminants.
It will tell you the information that the council holds with regard to the condition of a piece of land in relation to any potential contaminant. This will be factual information only. You should ask a specialist environmental consultant if you require interpretation of the information we give you.
Last updated: Monday, 20 February 2012 2:36 pm
