Contaminated Land

Under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the statutory definition of contaminated land is:

land which appears to the local authority in whose area it is situated to be in such a condition, by reason of substances in, on or under the land, that -

(a) significant harm is being caused or there is a significant possibility of such harm being caused; or

(b) pollution of controlled waters is being, or is likely to be, caused." (See outline of the regime for proposed changes)

Statutory guidance has been issued concerning this definition, which is modified with respect to radioactivity. Please see outline of the regime for a brief description of the regime, the key elements and where to find them, including Defra Circular 02/2006 on contaminated land.

DEFRA web site

The Government encourages the re-use of land for development but on some sites the land has been contaminated by the previous use.   In approving applications for planning permission therefore the Borough Council has to have regard to remediation measures to deal with the contamination.  It imposes planning conditions to ensure that a survey and appropriate measures are submitted and carried out by the developer.   The responsibility for remediation rests with the developer of the land.  

Replacement Local Plan Policy NE.21

Contaminated Land Strategy

Please click here to view the Council's strategy.

The Council no longer employs a Contaminated Land Officer.
Enquiries should be addressed to the Borough Planning Officer in writing.

Contaminated Land Register

No sites have been identified for inclusion in the Council's Contaminated Land Register.

Enquiries regarding Contaminated Land issues

A minimum charge of £20 plus £20 per additional hour or part of an hour is made for enquiries.   

The enquiry should be submitted in writing with an accompanying plan to

Borough Planning Officer, Planning Division, Municipal Buildings, Earle Street, Crewe, CW1 2BJ.

Every effort is made to ensure that the information provided in relation to enquiries made regarding contaminated land issues is up-to-date and accurate.   However, Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council does not accept responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions in the information, particularly where such information has been compiled from facts or opinions given to the Borough Council by third parties.   Furthermore, Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council will not be held responsible for any loss caused from the use or misuse of the information provided.