Phase 1 Desk Study
We deliver Phase 1 contaminated land desk studies that identify potential risks, satisfy planning conditions, and determine whether intrusive investigation is needed. Our reports follow the LCRM framework and are accepted by local authorities nationwide.
Identify land contamination risk before it delays your project.
A Phase 1 desk study is the first step in understanding whether your site has a contamination legacy. We review historical mapping, environmental databases, regulatory records, and site walkover observations to build a Conceptual Site Model (CSM) that identifies potential pollutant linkages.
Our reports determine whether the site poses an acceptable risk or whether a Phase 2 Site Investigation is required. We work to the Land Contamination Risk Management (LCRM) framework and produce clear, planning-compliant documentation.
Structured assessment that satisfies regulators.
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Historical research
We obtain historical Ordnance Survey mapping, review trade directories, and examine planning records to trace how the site and surrounding land have been used — identifying former industrial processes, fuel storage, waste disposal, or other potentially contaminative activities.
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Environmental data review
We commission Envirocheck or Groundsure environmental data searches and cross-reference EA pollution records, BGS geology and hydrogeology, radon data, local authority contaminated land registers, and licensed abstractions to build a comprehensive risk picture.
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Site walkover
We visit the site to observe current conditions, identify visible evidence of contamination or underground storage, confirm sensitive receptors such as watercourses and residential gardens, and document findings with photographs and field notes.
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Conceptual site model
We develop a CSM that maps contaminant sources, pathways, and receptors for each identified pollutant linkage. This model forms the technical backbone of the preliminary risk assessment and determines whether further investigation is warranted.
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Planning-ready report
We assess the identified pollutant linkages against the LCRM framework, classify risk levels, and deliver a clear report with recommendations — either confirming the site is suitable for development or scoping a targeted Phase 2 investigation to address specific data gaps.
We keep contaminated land assessments practical and planning-focused.
- We deliver reports that satisfy planning conditions first time.
- We follow the LCRM framework accepted by all UK regulators.
- We scope Phase 2 investigations tightly to avoid unnecessary cost.
- We coordinate with our drainage and flood risk teams when multiple conditions apply.
Tools we use
Envirocheck and Groundsure environmental data reports, historical Ordnance Survey map archives, BGS GeoIndex, GIS mapping and spatial analysis, and EA pollution inventory records.
Map your site in minutes.
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Map Your Site NowWhy map my site?
- Get an instant preliminary assessment of your site's constraints.
- Understand flood risk zones before investing in detailed studies.
- Identify potential planning issues early in your project.
- Receive a tailored quote based on your actual site boundaries.
- No obligation, completely free to use.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Phase 1 desk study?
- A Phase 1 desk study is a desktop review of a site's history, environmental setting, and regulatory records to identify potential contamination risks. It includes historical map analysis, environmental database searches, a site walkover, and development of a Conceptual Site Model that maps potential pollutant sources, pathways, and receptors.
- When do you need a Phase 1 contaminated land assessment?
- A Phase 1 assessment is typically required when a planning condition requests a contamination investigation, when the site has a potentially contaminative history (such as industrial use, petrol stations, or landfill), or when the proposed use is sensitive (such as residential or school). Many local authorities request one as standard for brownfield sites.
- How much does a Phase 1 desk study cost?
- Costs vary depending on site size, complexity of the site history, and the scope of environmental data searches required. A straightforward desk study for a simple residential plot will cost less than one for a large former industrial complex. We provide fixed-fee quotes after reviewing the site and its history.
- What is a conceptual site model?
- A Conceptual Site Model (CSM) is a written and diagrammatic representation of the relationships between contaminant sources, pathways, and receptors on and around the site. It forms the technical backbone of the risk assessment and determines whether pollutant linkages exist that require further investigation through a Phase 2 site investigation.
- How long does a Phase 1 desk study take?
- We typically deliver Phase 1 desk studies within 10 to 15 working days, depending on the turnaround time for environmental data searches and the complexity of the site history. We can accommodate accelerated programmes where needed and confirm timescales at the point of instruction.