Potentially Historically Contaminated Area
Did you know, Leafy Lane sits on an aquifer?
And.. what’s your point some might say..
Well it is something ABVC have made mention to in an old planning development brief in 2008 (back then it was the Hands Road Development, not Leafy Lane but it’s the same land. T
Back then the brief was for 12 houses on the depot, not 50.. it makes references to aquifer, ground contamination , sensitivity of the site, ground stability, ground disturbance, remediation, intrusive investigations, additional concerns..
See below :
12.2 Due to the proposed sensitive use for the site, and the potential for the land to have been contaminated by activities at the site, the advice given in PPS23 must be considered. The site will need to be investigated,
by appropriately qualified persons and appropriate recommendations provide with regard to the need for intrusive investigations and ultimately the validation of remediation
12.3 Attention is drawn to the drainage section of the Development Brief, which highlights additional concerns about the impact of development and ground disturbance on the water environment
14.4 Redevelopment of this site offers the opportunity to secure the remediation of a potentially historically contaminated area. Former activities on the site may have had the potential to contaminate the site and in accordance with national guidance set out in PPS 23, the submission of a desk top study is expected prior to determination of a planning application.
14.5 The site is located on an aquifer and development of the site may have the potential to re-mobilise contaminants.
So my questions that will probably never be answered are..
Why is AVBC looking for a developer to buy or work on risky land?
What happens to houses near by if ground water contamination isn’t handled correctly?
What happens to new and existing houses if there is ground water / ground disturbance ..
What happens with the land if any of the 9 coal seams get an influx of water..
There are probably more questions than answers .. with all these risks.. there are costs… so why is this land a viable option for affordable houses?
Brief Available Here:
https://info.ambervalley.gov.uk/docarc/docviewer.aspx?docGuid=f12be18306694b16b9ffc8f7af3cb73e