Small development sites are often assumed to be straightforward, but that can be misleading. A former yard, workshop, infilled area or commercial plot can still carry contamination risk even where the site size is modest.
Use this guidance to check what may be needed before you submit information.
If the wording on your planning condition, tender request or site constraint is unclear, send it to EnviroSolution and we can advise which report, survey or assessment is likely to be relevant.
Do small sites still need investigation?
Yes, if the planning authority or the Phase 1 assessment identifies a credible risk. The size of the site does not remove the need for evidence. In many cases, a focused Phase 2 investigation is still required to confirm whether contamination is present and whether remediation is needed.
Will it always mean major works?
Not necessarily. The scope should be proportionate. On smaller sites, targeted trial pits, boreholes and laboratory testing may be enough to answer the key risk questions without overcomplicating the project.
What should clients do next?
Gather the planning condition wording, the site address, any previous reports and a simple site plan. That is usually enough to start a sensible conversation about scope, timings and likely next steps.