What Is a Site Investigation Report – and When Is It Required?

If your planning authority has asked for a “site investigation” or “contamination risk assessment,” they are typically referring to a Phase 1 Desktop Study as the first step.

Desktop First, Intrusive Second (If Required)

Most environmental site assessments begin with a Phase 1 Desktop Study. It’s a low-cost, low-disruption method for identifying whether contamination is likely to exist based on site history and location.

Only if the desktop study indicates a potential risk would a Phase 2 investigation — which involves soil sampling — be recommended.

A Key Requirement for Planning

Phase 1 Desktop Studies are particularly important for:

• Former industrial or commercial sites
• Residential developments near fuel stations, garages, or agricultural land
• Any site where land quality is unknown

EnviroSolution prepares robust, defensible Phase 1 Desktop Studies that meet all relevant guidance, including BS10175. If a Phase 2 is required, we can advise and quote accordingly — but we never recommend intrusive works unless necessary.