A Phase 1 Desktop Study Report cost is linked to the size and complexity of the site. However, at Your Environment, we take away the stress of cost by offering a fixed fee, low cost report for standard sized developments of up to around 20 houses/units.
All our reports meet the planning condition discharge requirements, and you can even get 10% off when you buy online.
So, what is a Phase 1 Desktop Study Report and how do you know if you need one?
What is a Phase 1 Desktop Study?
A Phase 1 Desktop Study forms part of a contaminated land risk assessment and is the first step in investigating land that may be contaminated. The study investigates and provides an assessment of the risks to not only the end-users but also the surrounding environment.
The Phase 1 Desktop Study report may use different sources of information, such as historical ordnance survey maps, aerial photographs, national archives and regulatory records.
Do I need a Phase 1 Desktop Study?
There are generally two main scenarios where a Phase 1 Desktop Study is required:
- Development of a site: A Phase 1 Desktop Study is required by planners, warranty companies and building control officers.
- Property Transactions: Before buying a property or site it’s a good idea to have a study carried out. This will identify and evaluate any potential risks and liabilities that the prospective buyer will acquire.
How is a Phase 1 Desktop Study carried out?
During a Phase 1 study, our highly trained and qualified team of experts will investigate the site history, geology, potential pollution, hydrogeology, etc to create a detailed Conceptual Site Model (CSM). This allows us to identify any potential hazards to the end-user, construction workers, environment, or groundwater, giving you the right information you need to move forward.
Although no soil sample is required at this stage, we perform a site walkover during every Phase 1 Desktop Study which the local authority requires. Normally there would be additional costs for this, but we include a site walkover as standard, so you don’t have to worry about acquiring extra costs.
What does a Phase 1 Desktop Study report include?
- Provision of environmental and geological data
- Review of historical maps
- Walkover survey by a qualified engineer
- Conceptual Site Model (CSM)
- Preliminary Risk Assessment (PRA)
- A simple to understand summary
- Expert advice on what to do after the study is complete
What happens after a Phase 1 Desktop Study?
If the study has been requested to satisfy planning conditions, your completed report must be submitted directly to your Local Authority Planning Department for assessment.
If the report has identified the need for further investigations, for example, a Phase 2 Site Investigation, we will be able to guide you through the process as well as undertake the site investigation on your behalf. You can find more information on Phase 2 Site Investigations here.
If timescales are tight, and a site investigation is likely to be required, we can undertake a Phase 1 Desktop Study and a Phase 2 Site Investigation at the same time on your behalf.
Conclusion
Need a Phase 1 Desktop Study? Take a look at our packages and buy online to save 10%.
