The Complete Guide to a Phase 1 Desk Study in the UK
If you’re planning a new development project, purchasing land, or changing land use, you may be required to carry out a Phase 1 Desk Study. This essential report helps assess the risk of environmental contamination and ensures your site is suitable for its intended purpose. But what exactly does the process involve—and why is it so important?
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know.
🔍 What is a Phase 1 Desk Study?
A Phase 1 Desk Study—also known as a Preliminary Risk Assessment (PRA)—is an initial, non-intrusive investigation into the environmental risks associated with a specific parcel of land. It’s typically requested by:
🏢 Local planning authorities
🏦 Mortgage lenders and insurers
🏗️ Property developers and construction firms
The goal is to understand the historical use of the site, assess whether contamination could be present, and determine whether further site investigation (Phase 2) is necessary.
🧩 What Does a Phase 1 Desk Study Include?
A professional Phase 1 Desk Study will include the following:
🚶 Site Walkover Survey – A visual inspection to identify obvious signs of contamination, hazardous substances, or waste materials.
🗺️ Historical Mapping Review – Analysis of maps and aerial imagery going back over 100 years to identify previous industrial or commercial activities.
🧾 Environmental Data Searches – Checking databases for pollution records, landfill sites, fuel tanks, or industrial accidents nearby.
🪨 Geological and Hydrogeological Assessments – Understanding how contaminants could move through soil and groundwater.
📊 Conceptual Site Model (CSM) – A visual representation of potential contamination sources, pathways, and receptors.
This desk-based approach allows environmental consultants to make a preliminary assessment of the land’s suitability for the proposed use.
📅 When is a Phase 1 Desk Study Required?
You may need a desk study in the following situations:
🏭 The site is located on or near former industrial premises
🧱 You’re redeveloping brownfield land
🏡 Changing from commercial/industrial to residential use
📑 A planning condition requests a contamination risk assessment
💷 A lender requires environmental due diligence before purchase
Even if not mandated, it’s always wise to commission a study when dealing with unknown land—especially in urban or semi-rural areas.
❗ What Happens Without a Desk Study?
Failing to carry out a Phase 1 Desk Study can lead to:
🛑 Planning permission delays or rejection
💰 Unexpected remediation costs during construction
⚖️ Legal liabilities under environmental protection laws
📉 Reduced property value if contamination is discovered post-sale
Being proactive with a desk study gives you the upper hand in project planning and environmental risk management.
🧠 Why Work With EnviroSolution?
At EnviroSolution, we make the process simple, transparent, and compliant with UK standards. Our expert consultants deliver reports that are:
⚡ Fast-tracked to meet tight deadlines
🧾 Fully compliant with Environment Agency and local authority guidance
📞 Accompanied by ongoing client support
📁 Ready for submission to planning departments
Whether you’re a developer, architect, landowner, or investor, we tailor every study to meet your specific project requirements.
🧱 Real-World Applications
We’ve helped hundreds of clients across the UK with projects such as:
🏗️ Converting industrial land to housing
🏥 Developing healthcare and education sites
🏬 Retail and commercial property expansion
🌳 Restoring disused or derelict land for public use
In every case, our Phase 1 Desk Study helped unlock progress and avoid costly surprises.
🏁 Final Thoughts
A Phase 1 Desk Study is more than a tick-box exercise—it’s your gateway to safe, compliant, and cost-effective land development. Whether required by your local council or your lender, it pays to get it right the first time.
Don’t let environmental risks hold back your project. Visit our Phase 1 Desk Study page today to get started with a free consultation or to request a quote.