Straight answers to common questions.

You don’t need to know. Send us the site address, what you are proposing (or the transaction context), any plans or previous reports, and your deadline. A senior consultant will reply with a free, no-obligation quote and the right first step, usually within one working day. Sometimes that first step is no further work at all.

We are based in London and work across London, the South East and the Home Counties, with projects from Kent to South Yorkshire. We are set up for site work anywhere in England, Scotland and Wales.

Our standard timescales are 10 working days for Phase 1 and due diligence reports and one week for BRE 365 soakaway reports. Where a deal or programme demands it, we can expedite, and we will confirm what is achievable before you instruct.

Yes. We follow up, explain findings to your wider team, lenders, planners or regulators, and join the calls needed to close each project out.

A Phase 1 Environmental Assessment, also known as a desk study or Preliminary Risk Assessment (PRA), is the first step in assessing land for potential contamination. It reviews historic land use and environmental records, and includes a site walkover to identify potential contamination sources, migration pathways and receptors. The outcome is a risk-based conclusion that either no further action is needed or that intrusive investigation (Phase 2) is required.

It identifies potential land contamination before purchase or development. Councils often require it for planning permission, lenders need it to release funds, and investors use it to protect against hidden liabilities. Without one, you risk unexpected remediation costs, delays and even refusal of planning applications.

A review of historical maps and aerial imagery; analysis of environmental datasets such as landfills, pollution incidents and water abstractions; a site walkover by an experienced consultant; a conceptual site model showing potential pollutant linkages; and a clear conclusion on whether further investigation is required.

Local planning authorities frequently require one, especially for brownfield sites. It demonstrates that contamination risks have been properly considered in line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Environment Agency’s Land Contamination Risk Management (LCRM) guidance.

In the UK a Phase 1 typically costs £950 to £2,500, depending on site size, historical complexity, location and whether additional reviews are required. Investing early can prevent much higher remediation costs later.

Most Phase 1 reports are delivered within 5 to 10 working days, depending on site size, data availability and planning deadlines. Expedited delivery is possible for urgent projects.

Sometimes. Greenfield sites are generally lower risk, but councils may still request a Phase 1 to demonstrate the absence of contamination and validate the application. It can also reassure lenders and investors when buying undeveloped land.

Yes. Investors, banks and solicitors widely use Phase 1 reports during land and property transactions to identify contamination risk early and prevent costly surprises. Many lenders will not proceed without one.

An intrusive investigation carried out when a Phase 1 identifies potential contamination risk. It involves boreholes or trial pits, soil and groundwater sampling and laboratory testing. Councils, lenders and investors require it to confirm whether contamination is present and that land is suitable for its intended use.

A Phase 1 is a non-intrusive desk study and walkover that asks “what could be there?”. A Phase 2 is an intrusive investigation with sampling and laboratory testing that confirms “what is there, and how much?”.

Typically boreholes or trial pits; soil and groundwater sampling for laboratory analysis; ground gas and vapour monitoring; geotechnical testing where needed for foundations; and a detailed risk assessment with recommendations.

Costs vary with site size, geology, the development proposals and the complexity of environmental and geotechnical questions, from around £3,000 to tens of thousands. Smaller sites with straightforward risks sit at the lower end; larger or industrial sites needing extensive monitoring or specialist testing cost more.

Most Phase 2 investigations take 4 to 6 weeks, depending on scope, site access and laboratory turnaround. If ground gas monitoring is required, additional visits over several months may be needed.

Results are compared with UK assessment criteria. Where unacceptable risks are identified, a remediation strategy is required. That may mean removing contaminated soils, installing gas protection, placing clean cover or managing contamination in place, sized to the actual risk.

Yes. Combining environmental and geotechnical investigation in a single mobilisation saves time and cost by assessing both contamination and engineering properties together.

BRE Digest 365 is the standard method for measuring how quickly water soaks into the ground. Trial pits are dug at the proposed soakaway locations and depths, filled with water and timed as they drain, typically over three cycles, to calculate an infiltration rate for design.

Our standard is within one week of completing testing. Expedited results can be arranged where the programme demands it.

Then the report provides the evidence the local planning authority and Lead Local Flood Authority need to accept an alternative discharge strategy.