Buying Land for a New Housing Development? Don’t Skip the Phase 1 Desktop Study
You’ve found the perfect plot of land: it ticks all the boxes in terms of location, access to utilities, and development potential. On the surface, it seems like a dream investment. But before breaking ground or even completing the purchase, one critical step should never be overlooked: a Phase 1 Desktop Study.
At EnviroSolution, we frequently assist developers who are on the verge of purchasing land. Many of them are unaware that the land’s history could hide costly risks, such as previous industrial use, contamination, or underground storage tanks. These issues can significantly delay your project, attract regulatory scrutiny, and result in expensive remediation.
A Phase 1 Desktop Study is a non-intrusive, desk-based environmental assessment that investigates the site’s history, regulatory records, surrounding land uses, and potential for contamination. It is a required step by most planning authorities and financial institutions because it identifies environmental risks early in the process.
Our team at EnviroSolution compiles historical mapping, aerial photography, environmental databases, and geological records to evaluate if your site is suitable for development. If we detect any red flags, you’ll have the advantage of addressing them proactively rather than dealing with surprise costs and project delays later.
Beyond compliance, the study also reassures stakeholders such as investors, lenders, and insurers that the site has been vetted thoroughly. It increases the credibility of your planning application and speeds up the approval process.
In one recent case, a developer was prepared to purchase a disused plot near a former gasworks. Our Phase 1 Desktop Study revealed a high likelihood of soil and groundwater contamination due to historic operations. Thanks to the report, they renegotiated the land price to account for remediation, ultimately saving thousands.
Don’t leave your project’s success to chance. Protect your investment and your timeline with a professional Phase 1 Desktop Study from EnviroSolution. We deliver clear, compliant, and comprehensive reports tailored to your needs.