The development of the City’s brownfield sites is a priority for the Council. They have the potential to create new areas for residential, industrial and business and other uses. However, many of the sites were formerly used for heavy industry and may be contaminated. The development of brownfield land may require remediation works to be carried out prior to new development works. In seeking to safeguard against any harmful effects from contamination, the Council will have to satisfy itself that ground conditions are made safe prior to new development (in particular, housing) being implemented. The following policy will apply to any site where contamination might be an issue.

1. Development on sites formerly occupied by factories, workshops and other industrial and associated activities etc. will be encouraged, having regard to the Development Policy Principles and other policy considerations.

2. Where the previous history of a site suggests that contamination may have occurred, developers will be responsible for the following:

(a) undertaking a detailed site survey and analysis to establish whether contamination has occurred and the degree and location of the problem;

(b) providing a detailed written report of survey and assessment (including recommendations for treating affected ground) to the Council. The survey should assess whether the effects of leaching affect water courses/drainage. Specialists should be employed to produce the report and undertake any treatment that is required; and

(c) by agreement with the Council, decontaminating sites prior to new development works taking place. No development will be permitted to take place until the Council is completely satisfied that the affected ground has been satisfactorily treated.