Contaminated Land

Whilst Castle Point is predominantly urban in character, there are still 10,551 acres of open public space and woodland. It is this highly valued environment that makes the Borough vulnerable to the threats of contamination.

The information below introduces the strategy and explains how any contaminated land matter will be dealt with. Furthermore, it describes what help and information the Council can provide to prospective homebuyers, developers and members of the public worried about the possible presence or effects of contamination.

About Contaminated Land in Castle Point
Under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which came into force on 1 April 2000, Castle Point Borough Council, as the primary regulator, has a responsibility to inspect land in its area with the purpose of identifying any contaminated land. As part of this process the Council has produced a formal Contaminated Land Strategy document, which clearly sets out how land which merits detailed individual inspection will be identified in an ordered, rational and efficient manner.

Alternatively, copies of the document are available from the Environmental Health Section for a small fee or can be viewed at the Council offices, the locality offices and in all public libraries in the Borough.

Technical Guidance for Applicants & Developers

The Essex Contaminated Land Consortium, whom Castle Point Borough Council sits on has produced a  Technical Guidance Document [pdf] 4MB for applicants and developers on contaminated land. This document is being used by all Essex Council's to provide consistent advice to applicants and agents.

This document provides all the necessary information required regarding contaminated land and the planning process.

Planning Policy Statement 23 requires that the Local Planning Authority should ascertain whether the site is suitable for use with regards to the extent of land contamination at any site prior to granting planning permission for development or change of use.

Where a contamination is suspected or is known at a site, the application must be accompanied by a report including a desk study, site walkover and preliminary Conceptual Model as an absolute minimum.

This guidance document explains these requirements in further detail. During the planning process, environmental health is consulted on a number of matters, including contaminated land.

Environmental Health Services will recommend that all applications that do not include the minimum information on contaminated land be rejected.

Domestic Heating Oil Tanks

The Essex Contaminated Land Consortium has recently produced a Guidance on Protecting Health and the Environment from Domestic Heating Oil Spills [pdf] 1MB  aimed at helping you avoid the considerable costs and inconvenience of an oil leak.