What is a Phase 1 Desk Study?

A Phase 1 Desk Study identifies risks to the environment, human health and buildings from existing data. It can flag up issues relating to the development or purchase of a site. (e.g. historical records may reveal the past presence of contaminating activities such as an industrial activity). A visual inspection of the site and its surrounding is sometimes undertaken to gather additional data on the site and to confirm the desk study findings; this is known a site walkover survey.

Why do I need a Phase 1 Desk Study?

A Phase 1 Desk Study may be required as part of your planning application for a new development. A desk study may also be required as part of a pre-purchase due diligence study, or to secure lending. The purpose of a Phase 1 Desk Study is to identify potential harmful or costly environmental issues with the site at an early stage, preventing problems further down the line.

What is covered in a Phase 1 Desk Study?

A Phase 1 Desk Study collates relevant information from a variety of sources relating to the site setting and its previous historical uses. The end product is a report that describes the likely presence of any contamination within the subsurface, and the potential risks that this may pose to future site users and the immediate environment.

Our Phase 1 Desk Studies are tailored to the needs of the client and project, with the overall aims and objectives, programme and budget fully considered.