Carlisle District Local Plan.indd - Carlisle City Council

Carlisle District Local Plan 2001 - 2016 Revised Redeposit draftPOLICY LE30 Land Affected by ContaminationDevelopment on land known or thought to be contaminated will be permitted providedthat contaminant sources, pathways and receptors are clearly identified in a riskassessment and measures taken to treat, contain and control contamination so as notto:1. Expose the occupiers of a development and neighbouring land uses tounacceptable risk;2. Cause the contamination of adjoining land or allow contamination to continue;3. Lead to the contamination of any watercourse, water body or aquifer;4. Have an unacceptable adverse effect on habitats and ecosystems6.112 Previously used or brownfield land that is contaminated or thought to be contaminatedmust be brought back into beneficial use as soon as possible in order to use scarce landresources efficiently. It is current Government Policy to encourage the use of brownfield sitesin preference to greenfield sites and the City Council will encourage the reclamation ofcontaminated land in sustainable locations by supporting its development. In 2001 the CityCouncil published its Contaminated Land Strategy. This sets out its statutory responsibilitiesin relation to contaminated sites and identifies the process whereby it will identify suchland. Priority in the redevelopment of derelict and contaminated sites will be given to thosein urban locations. The redevelopment of contaminated sites such as former gasworks,sewage works, waste disposal and metal processing sites can provide a means of cleaningup sites which remain a threat to health or the wider environment. The responsibility forproviding information on whether the land is contaminated rests with the developer. Liaisonwith the Environment Agency is advisable. The City Council maintains a public register ofcontaminated sites as required under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.6.113 When redeveloping land affected by contamination any discharges to the public sewerrequire permission from United Utilities. Liaison with the Environmental Protection Servicesof Carlisle City Council, the Environment Agency and United Utilities is advisable. Anapplicant proposing development on, or near, a site where contamination is suspected willbe required to submit details of site investigatory works and remediation strategies beforedevelopment commences.POLICY LE31 Derelict LandDevelopment involving the reclamation of derelict land and buildings will be permittedprovided that the land has been remediated to a standard that is fit for the proposedland use. The proposed land use shall also be appropriate to the location, and thedevelopment and accompanying landscaping are in keeping with the surroundings.Where the derelict land has reverted to a natural state its quality, and the importance asa green area, will be taken into account in any decision about its future development.6.114 The City, in particular, has a long industrial heritage. The reclamation of derelict landcan provide development opportunities and these involve environmental enhancement toensure any development integrates with its surroundings. In addition, areas that have beenderelict some time may provide important wildlife habitats and valuable amenity greenspaces. Where appropriate, the City Council will encourage developers to safeguard suchhabitats. However, the assessment of the site’s natural state and quality should not inhibitremediation of the site (if warranted) under the provisions of the Contaminated Land(England) Regulations 2000.September 2006 121