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.

We receive thousands of planning applications every year to develop or redevelop land, many of which involve disturbing potentially contaminated ground or using land that may be contaminated for sensitive uses, such as new housing or schools.

We’ve produced a series of guidance notes and standard documentation to support developers and their agents. If you’re a developer or an agent, we strongly encourage you to read it – a good understanding of the our requirements will save time and money by preventing delays, duplication and help you avoid providing incomplete or unnecessary information.

Current Council guidance

• CLS1 guidance
• CLS2 guidance

Other relevant guidance

• Environment Agency – The Model Procedures for the Management of Land Contamination (CLR 11) 
• BS10175 Investigation of potentially contaminated sites code of practice
• CL:AIRE Water and Land Library

Relevant planning policy and guidance

• National Planning Policy Framework
• land affected by contamination planning practice guidance
• Development Management Local Plan (policy DM41)