Environmental Information Request and Contaminated Land

We offer two types of search:

Standard search

As part of a standard search, we will:

• indicate the locations of any existing or closed landfill sites on or within 250m of the land
• indicate the locations of any known pre-1974 closed landfill site on or within 250m of the land
• provide details of the type and depth of waste deposited in any landfill sites on or within 250m of the land
• provide details of any industrial 'Part A 'or 'Part B' processes permitted under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 which are on or within 250 metres of the land
• provide details of any closed 'Part B' processes permitted under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which are on or within 250 metres of the land
• indicate whether the land is within a designated flood plain
• indicate whether there is an entry in the statutory register of contaminated land in relation to the land or land within 250 metres from the site
• provide details of the location of old petrol filling stations in the Borough
• provide details of any known pollution incident which may affect the land
• provide information on discharge consents relating to the land and land within 250 metres

Detailed search

We will provide more detailed information in the form of a written report.

Examples of the topics we would cover in this report include:

• the significance of the historic land use information found in the standard search
• risks the site poses based on the known historic use of the site and current use
• comment on the likely pollutants to be present on the land
• information of any desk studies, preliminary surveys, environmental monitoring, and intrusive investigations carried out on the land

• previous and present land use information from records held by the Local Planning Authority

The fee for a standard search is £40. Detailed searches are priced individually.

When you request a search, you need to provide a site plan showing the extent of the site that you would like us to assess, the grid reference and details of the information requested. The Council will respond to you within 20 working days.

Arrange a search

To arrange an environmental search or for guidance about contaminated land please contact.

• environmental.health@stockton.gov.uk
• 01642 526575

Contaminated land

The Council aims to determine whether any contamination is causing unacceptable risks to human health and the environment. The Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy 2024 to 2029 outlines the Councils priorities for contaminated land and describes how land will be inspected. The main method for addressing contaminated land is through the Planning Development Regime. This involves a phased approach to risk assessment by imposing planning conditions on a development.

Screening Assessment Form for small-scale developments

For small-scale developments (for example, 1 new house or extension in an existing garden area) a Screening Assessment Form can be used. The use of the form should be agreed by the Contaminated Land Officer and should be submitted with a planning application.

This should not be used for larger housing developments, allotments, schools, nurseries, children's play areas, playing fields, or if there has been a past industrial use on or adjacent to the land.

If when completing the screening form, you suspect there is a likelihood of contamination (either on the site or on an adjacent site), you should contact Environmental Health before continuing.