Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy 2024 to 2029

Internal liaison

Environmental Protection will liaise throughout the inspection process with relevant sections of the Council, in particular Planning, Building Control, Regeneration and Legal. The Leader of the Council, Ward Councillors, the Cabinet Member for Environment, the Head of Service will be informed of site investigation works and the outcome of these works.

External liaison

The Statutory Guidance states that developing an understanding of risks in complex cases may raise issues which are beyond the expertise of one person and may require the involvement of others to conduct a robust risk assessment. The question of whom to consult will depend largely on the circumstances of the land, and expertise and gaps in expertise of the person carrying out the risk assessment. Stockton Borough Council will liaise with the necessary Agencies as appropriate depending on the circumstances of the case. Where warranted, the Council will consider employing the services of external consultants and legal representatives.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council will always consult with the Environment Agency when trying to establish through the risk assessment process when there is evidence that the site in question is a potential special site in this case the Council would formally request that the Environment Agency carry out the intrusive inspection of the land on its behalf.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council will consult the Public Health England [PHE] formerly the Health Protection Agency [HPA] when trying to establish through the risk assessment process whether significant harm is being caused or there is a significant possibility of such harm being caused to health. PHE will be asked to work with the Council to assist in the communication of advice regarding health effects and may assist with information, such as leaflets and information packs aimed at the interested parties.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council will consult Natural England when considering whether land might meet the definition of contaminated land by virtue of an ecological system effect.

Where there is potential evidence that the site in question is of archaeological or historic interest, established through the risk assessment process, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council will consult with Tees Archaeology to establish whether any works proposed shall not cause potential damage to the historic environment.

Communication strategies

Prior to site investigation works for the highest priority sites, Environmental Protection will develop communication strategies with the assistance of the Corporate Communication teams, as necessary.

Communication strategies will aim to:

1. address the site investigation works
2. inform and update key milestones to all interested parties on a regular basis throughout the site investigation process
3. provide information packs for residents, including historical information on previous land use, details of the site investigation work, frequently asked questions, and contact details
4. provide an opportunity for interested parties to communicate directly with a designated officer
5. reassure interested parties for all aspects of the site investigation works
6. gain the support of residents, landowners, land users, the wider public and other interested parties for the site investigation works
7. manage the perceived risk to all interested parties
8. anticipate and manage any potential crisis situations that may generate negative publicity for the site investigation works or Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Consultation of the Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy

The 2024 to 2029 Strategy has been reviewed in accordance with the advice provided in the DEFRA Contaminated Land Statutory Guidance published in April 2012.

Statutory bodies, other sections of the Council, Councillors and the Tees Valley Authorities will be consulted on the draft Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy in August 2024 and will be invited to provide comments.

The full list of consultees is provided in Appendix 5.

The Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy proposes a 5-year work programme for the inspection process The next review of the Strategy is expected to be undertaken at the end of 2029 or earlier if required by statute.

Responses from external consultees

The Council will consider all comments on this draft strategy and has amended the final document accordingly.

External consultees include the following organisations:

• Environment Agency
• Northeast Public Health England
• Natural England
• Tees Archaeology
• Cleveland Fire Brigade
• Tees Valley Local Authorities (Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland, Middlesbrough, Darlington)