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EnviroSolution Ltd
Environmental consultancy service

Phase 1 Desktop Study

A Phase 1 Desk Study (also called a Phase 1 Desktop Study) provides a preliminary risk assessment of contamination and environmental constraints for planning, development, land purchase and property due diligence.

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Scope and evidence

Built around planning, development and compliance decisions.

Use this page to understand when the service is usually needed, what evidence is reviewed and what information helps us quote accurately.

  • Planning and regulator context
  • Clear deliverables and next steps
  • Linked services considered early

A Phase 1 Desktop Study — also commonly called a Phase 1 Desk Study or Preliminary Risk Assessment — is more than a database search. For contaminated-land work it should establish the site history and environmental setting, identify credible source-pathway-receptor linkages, build an initial Conceptual Site Model and explain what the evidence means for the proposed development or property decision.

01

When this service is used

This is commonly used for planning applications and contaminated-land conditions, brownfield redevelopment, property and land purchase, lending, acquisition due diligence and early development risk screening.

Planning and project supportCommonly used for planning applications and contaminated-land conditions, brownfield redevelopment, land purchase, lending and acquisition due diligence.
Risk and programme controlA proportionate Phase 1 can identify where intrusive investigation is justified and, equally importantly, where the available evidence does not support unnecessary Phase 2 work.
02

What the report normally includes

  • Planning and project brief review
  • Historical mapping and previous land-use review
  • Site setting, geology, hydrogeology and environmental database review
  • Site walkover or reconnaissance where included in the agreed scope
  • Conceptual Site Model and source-pathway-receptor assessment
  • Preliminary risk assessment with clear conclusions
  • Recommendations for Phase 2 investigation or further assessment where justified
03

What we need from you

Providing the right information at the start helps us confirm the scope, quote accurately and avoid back-and-forth once the work is underway.

  • Site address and postcode
  • Planning reference or contaminated-land condition wording if available
  • Red-line boundary plan
  • Proposed development layout and intended end use
  • Any previous environmental, ground or planning reports
04

Phase 1 Desk Study and Preliminary Risk Assessment: what it should cover

Consultant reviewing mapping and site information for a Phase 1 Desktop Study.
Consultant review of mapping, environmental data and site context for a Phase 1 Desk Study and preliminary risk assessment.
What a robust scope should cover
  • Planning condition, project brief and proposed end use
  • Historical mapping and previous land uses on and around the site
  • Geology, hydrogeology, hydrology and sensitive environmental receptors
  • Environmental database records and relevant regulatory information
  • Site walkover or reconnaissance evidence where included in the agreed scope
  • Source-pathway-receptor assessment and an initial Conceptual Site Model
  • Clear recommendations for Phase 2 investigation or other follow-up work where justified
What the work should leave you with
  • A clear preliminary risk assessment rather than a list of database records
  • Potential contaminant sources linked to credible pathways and receptors
  • A documented basis for planning, due diligence, land purchase and investigation decisions
  • A reasoned conclusion on whether further intrusive work is needed
  • Proportionate next steps that can be scoped efficiently
Why the detail mattersCurrent Environment Agency Land Contamination Risk Management guidance treats the preliminary risk assessment as the first tier of land-contamination risk assessment. The strongest Phase 1 reports therefore explain why a potential issue matters to this particular site and proposed use, rather than simply reproducing search data.Environment Agency LCRM: Stage 1 risk assessment →See an EnviroSolution due-diligence project →
05

Useful to know before you enquire

Phase 1 Desk Study and Desktop Study mean the same thing in most briefsClients and planning teams use both terms. In a contaminated-land context the work normally forms the preliminary risk assessment and Conceptual Site Model.
The proposed use changes the risk pictureA residential development, school, commercial unit and warehouse do not present the same receptor profile, so the development proposal matters.
A Phase 1 does not prove contaminationIt identifies credible potential risks from available evidence. Site-specific sampling is normally a Phase 2 task where further evidence is needed.
Planning wording should be suppliedIf the local authority has issued a contaminated-land condition or validation request, upload the exact wording so the scope can be aligned to it.
FAQ

Common questions

Is a Phase 1 Desk Study the same as a Phase 1 Desktop Study?

Usually, yes. The terms are commonly used interchangeably. For contaminated-land work the report normally provides the preliminary risk assessment and initial Conceptual Site Model, with the exact scope matched to the site and planning or due-diligence brief.

Does a Phase 1 Desk Study include a site walkover?

A site walkover is normally part of a contaminated-land preliminary risk assessment. The exact scope should be confirmed before instruction, particularly where access is restricted or the commission is specifically desktop-only.

Does a Phase 1 Desktop Study include sampling?

Normally no. Intrusive sampling and laboratory testing are usually undertaken at Phase 2 where the Phase 1 identifies a credible potential contaminant linkage that needs further evidence.

Can a Phase 1 Desk Study discharge a planning condition?

Often, but it depends on the exact condition wording and the findings. If the Phase 1 identifies unresolved risks, the authority may require Phase 2 investigation or other work before final discharge.

Guides

Phase 1 planning and due-diligence guidance

These supporting guides answer common planning, scope and programme questions. The main service page remains the place to request a Phase 1 quote.

Do I need a Phase 1 Desktop Study for planning?What does a Phase 1 Desktop Study entail?Why a good desktop study helps prevent planning delaysWhat surveys do you need before building on land?From closure to construction: brownfield redevelopment after decommissioningNuclear rules debate: lessons for brownfield evidence
Projects

Phase 1 project examples

See how similar environmental constraints have been investigated, assessed and resolved on real projects.

Stratford Padel Club planning condition dischargeCorby Power Station contamination assessmentUrgent Padel Court planning condition discharge
Next

Related services

These services are often reviewed alongside Phase 1 Desktop Study depending on the site, planning context and proposed development.

Phase 2 Ground InvestigationContaminated LandCoal Mining Risk AssessmentWaste ClassificationInfiltration Testing
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