Industrial decline in the United Kingdom has left many areas of vacant, derelict and underused land. These areas may contain substances in the ground that have the potential to cause harm to human health and the wider environment.
Environmental searches and enquiries
The Environmental Protection Service handles environmental searches and environmental enquiries relating to land contamination.
Environmental searches are often generated through the conveyancing process for residential and commercial properties. Where these searches identify an issue, they usually recommend contacting us for any further information.
Environmental enquiries usually relate to sales and acquisitions of land.
Standard charges apply for most searches and enquiries. The cost is dependent upon the number and type of questions asked. We’ll tell you the cost once we have reviewed your enquiry.
Contact us if you want to submit an environmental search or enquiry by emailing epsadmin@sheffield.gov.uk
Dealing with affected land
In the United Kingdom there are 2 ways of dealing with land affected by the presence of contaminated land. Through the town planning development control process and the enforcement of Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
The Supporting information provides guidance documents for landowners and developers, setting out responsibilities and likely requirements. The regional and local guidance and policies provide information about clean cover systems (clean capping), and verification of correct installation of gas protection measures.