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Environmental Risk

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Ashfield’s reputation of providing unrivalled insight and value driven advice is built upon our environmental expertise. Environmental issues, contamination and unwanted liabilities can arise from historic legacies or a previous disregard for environmental laws and regulations by a site owner or operator. Ignoring local environmental laws can lead to prosecution via the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or Environment Agency (EA).

How can contamination cause environmental issues?

Commercial operations often include the use of chemicals or material that can potentially cause harm to the environment if not stored or disposed of correctly. Poor management practices can lead to these substances causing an adverse effect to the wider environment, potentially causing harm to humans, wildlife, and the wider natural environment. Environmental laws and the regulation of these laws via the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency (EA) ensures that businesses avoid causing any adverse environmental impacts.

Environmental Solutions

Commercial Real Estate Investors

Preliminary Environmental Risk Assessment

Also known as an Environmental Assessment, Phase One Environmental Risk Assessment or an Environmental Desk Study. This report can be framed for both investment (buying property) and divestment (selling property) scenarios and is an essential part of the Technical Due Diligence performed as part of property transactions.

Ashfield’s assessments are written in accordance with the latest industry best practice guidance and follow the government’s Land Contamination Risk Management Framework (LCRM). Ashfield has access to the broadest range of environmental data sources that are currently available in the UK through our in-house datasets and closely aligned data partners. Our research includes a wide range of potential liabilities such as operational permits, waste, drainage, invasive species as well as short, medium, and long-term issues for the projected period of ownership to manage any forward environmental liabilities identified.

All reports provide a risk summary in relation to the likelihood of determination as “Contaminated Land” under Part IIA (Part 2A) of the Environmental Protection Act. Furthermore, this can outline any potential for liability to neighbouring properties and operational liabilities for which the owner/occupier need to be aware and manage.

Our tailored advice, coupled with the most advanced data sources available look to minimise any further intrusive works wherever possible, and fully informing you of your forward options. To understand more about this service, please contact us.

Property Development and Planning

Planning Applications

Most local planning authorities will include standard conditions relating to land contamination and the most basic requirement is to prepare a Phase One Environmental Risk Assessment to show whether or not potential land contamination hazards exist which may need to be carefully managed. This can sometimes be referred to as a Contamination Assessment or Environmental Desk Study.

Ashfield’s assessments are written in accordance with the latest industry best practice guidance, in line with the government’s Land Contamination Risk Management Framework (LCRM), as well as meeting the requirements of National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The assessment looks at existing liabilities under Part IIA (Part 2A) of the Environmental Protection Act as well as what needs to be done to ensure the development scheme is suitable for use.

Ashfield will work to address any specific conditions outlined by the Local Planning Authority on your behalf, and where required provide recommendations on how to manage any residual risk for the development’s lifetime. To understand more about this service, please contact us.

Environmental Risk
Environmental Risk Assessment

Land Remediation – Materials Management Plan

When do I need a Material Management Plan?

A Material Management Plan (MMP) helps developers to comply with regulations governed by the Environment Agency (EA) relating to the management of material excavated from the ground.

Ashfield is able to work alongside you or your chosen developer in line with The Definition of Waste: Development Industry Code of Practice (DoW CoP) guidance. All Materials Management Plans are reviewed and verified by Contaminated Land: Applications in Real Environments (CLAiRE), before being signed off by the Environment Agency (EA).

Keeping any excavated material on site can provide you with economic benefits, as well as promoting better sustainability within the wider environment. To date Ashfield have managed to divert over One million tonnes of materials from landfill through the successful implementation of Materials Management Plans for our clients.

For further information please contact us.

For further information, please contact us