Everything You Need to Know About a Phase 1 Desk Study
Before starting any kind of property development, understanding the environmental and historical background of the land is vital. Ignoring this step can lead to costly issues down the line. That’s where a Phase 1 Desk Study becomes essential. This initial stage of site investigation helps identify any potential risks from contamination and ensures you’re meeting all planning and environmental requirements.
🌍 What is a Phase 1 Desk Study?
A Phase 1 Desk Study, also known as a Preliminary Risk Assessment (PRA), is a desktop-based evaluation of a site’s environmental and historical context. It’s usually the first step in the site investigation process and is often required by:
🏢 Local planning authorities
🏦 Mortgage lenders
📄 Insurance companies
The study identifies any possible sources of contamination and assesses whether further investigation is needed.
🧩 What Does It Include?
A comprehensive Phase 1 Desk Study contains several important components:
🧐 Site Walkover Survey – A visual inspection of the site to identify evidence of contamination or hazardous materials.
🗺️ Historical Map Review – Examining old maps and land records to determine past industrial or commercial activities that could have caused pollution.
🗃️ Environmental Database Search – Checking databases for records of landfills, waste facilities, industrial sites, and previous pollution events nearby.
🪨 Geological and Hydrogeological Analysis – Understanding the ground conditions, soil types, and water movement below the surface.
📊 Conceptual Site Model (CSM) – A visual model that shows potential contamination pathways and affected receptors (such as people or water sources).
🚫 What Happens If You Skip It?
Skipping a Phase 1 Desk Study can be risky and expensive. You might face:
💸 Unforeseen remediation costs
⏳ Planning delays
⚖️ Legal liabilities
🛑 Rejection of planning applications
A well-executed Phase 1 Desk Study gives you peace of mind and helps ensure your development stays on track.
🕵️♂️ When Do You Need One?
A Phase 1 Desk Study is typically required if:
🏭 The site has a history of industrial use
🗑️ It’s near a landfill or known contaminated land
📑 Your planning conditions specify it
🏗️ You’re changing land use (e.g., commercial to residential)
Even if not explicitly required, conducting a Phase 1 Desk Study is often a smart move to avoid long-term environmental issues.
✅ Why Choose EnviroSolution?
At EnviroSolution, we make the process straightforward, fast, and fully compliant with UK standards. Here’s what you can expect when working with us:
⚡ Fast turnaround on reports
🔍 Detailed, accurate findings
📞 Ongoing support from experienced consultants
📬 Submission-ready documents for local authorities
Our goal is to take the hassle out of environmental reporting so you can focus on your development goals.
💼 Who Benefits from a Desk Study?
Our clients range from:
🏘️ Property developers
🏙️ Architects and planning consultants
🛠️ Construction firms
🏡 Landowners and investors
No matter the scale of your project, we tailor our reports to meet your needs and help you move forward with confidence.
📣 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to develop land or secure planning permission, a Phase 1 Desk Study is your first—and most important—step. Don’t let environmental surprises derail your project.
Let EnviroSolution help you get started on the right foot. Contact us today for a no-obligation quote or visit our service page for more information.