Contaminated land

In parts of Hackney the land and water beneath our feet has become contaminated largely as a result of:

  • current and past commercial and residential uses
  • successive phases of development, redevelopment and maintenance
  • transport emissions
  • events such as the Blitz bombing of the Second World War

About a quarter of the borough’s land has been associated with uses that could have resulted in contamination. Like many other urban areas, due to the extent that Hackney’s land has been used through the ages, most soil and much of the shallow groundwater in the borough is impacted to some extent. As a result, it’s common to find higher levels of lead, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (a component of ash) and asbestos in soils in Hackney, than in rural areas. The levels of these and other substances may be harmful in only a small proportion of cases.

We address contaminated land issues as they occur, largely through the planning process and statutory regimes for contaminated land and environmental damage. However, we also want to empower residents, schools, allotment holders and businesses to take action by providing clear information and guidance.

 

Contaminated land – planning and building

The planning process is the main way in which contaminated land and potentially contaminated land is investigated and remediated in Hackney. This helps ensure that new developments are suitable for use and that land is not harming the environment. Contaminated land – planning and building.

The contaminated land regime

Statutory contaminated land is land that meets the definition of contaminated land set out within Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Contaminated land regime.

Advice, guidance and searches

The following guidance is aimed at residents, allotment holders, schools and businesses:

Environmental search – contaminated land

For environmental search enquiries and to report contaminated land please contact us.

Page updated on: 23 November 2022

Land, Air, Water

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PO Box 70210
London
E8 9FB

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