Phase 1 to Phase 2: Planning Help Resource
A move from Phase 1 to Phase 2 usually means the desk-based review has identified enough potential risk to justify intrusive investigation.
Clients often ask what it means when a Phase 1 Desk Study recommends a Phase 2 Ground Investigation. The short answer is that the initial research has identified enough potential risk that assumptions are no longer enough.
Why the move happens
A Phase 1 assessment reviews mapping, environmental records, geology and site history. If those records suggest plausible pollutant linkages, the next step is to collect real data from the ground itself.
What should happen next
The project team should not treat the recommendation as a generic note. It usually means intrusive works need to be scoped against the planning condition, proposed development and relevant risks. The quality of this next step will affect timescales, cost certainty and the usefulness of the final report.
How this resource helps
This planning help piece is intended to stop that recommendation from feeling vague. It gives clients a clearer understanding of what the transition means and how to brief the next stage properly.
Use this resource to get clear first, then review the service page or send over the project details when you are ready.
Phase 1 Desktop Study
If this resource matches the issue on your site, the next step is usually to review the main service page and decide what information you already have ready.