How the proposal contributes to Brighton & Hove becoming a carbon-neutral city by 2030

When we make decisions on planning applications, we have to apply a ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’. Development needs to meet the economic, social and environmental objectives we’ve set out in our development plan.

This includes:

  • protecting the environment
  • mitigating and adapting to climate change
  • moving to a low-carbon economy

Central to this approach is making efficient use of ‘brownfield’ (previously developed) land, rather than new (greenfield) sites.

There are various other ways we’ll ensure the scheme helps deliver a carbon-neutral city including requiring:

  • a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) ‘excellent’ rating
  • biodiversity net gain
  • sustainable transportation measures

Potential for contamination

Former agricultural sites can contain harmful substances used in previous activities on the site which can harm human health and cause pollution of air, soil and water. These can include:

  • made ground - i.e. land built up, typically using soils from within the site and/or construction/demolition waste
  • nitrates
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)

The applicant’s Geoenvironmental and Geotechnical Desk Study and Hydrogeological Risk Assessment state that the developers did an initial assessment prior to submitting their planning application. This recommended:

  • an intrusive ground investigation be undertaken to determine the risks to future occupiers and the availability of materials for re-use on site
  • mitigation measures be employed during any intrusive works
  • the asbestos identified at the site be managed

They also recommended:

  • further conversations should be had with Southern Water
  • a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) be secured as a condition of granting planning permission

Find more information on contaminated land and the planning process.

Contamination in relation to this site

As part of the planning application to develop a storage and distribution office on this site, the developer has to submit information showing how the site can be built and operated safely. 

This includes: 

  • investigating what contamination is on the site and where
  • quantifying existing and future risks
  • demonstrating how developers will prevent it from harming people or the environment

Some initial work is already complete.

This includes: 

  • a desktop review of historic uses
  • requests from statutory bodies for information they hold
  • historic borehole data
  • ground investigations
  • digging trial pits
  • a dye test through the existing drainage system

The applicant’s planning application had to identify what the risks are of contaminants reaching people and the environment, and crucially, how this risk would be mitigated during any redevelopment.

It's the applicant’s responsibility to show that the development can come forward safely and address issues of contamination and environmental impact. 

How our planners will know if the measures the applicants propose will work

Planning officers will consult with a range of specialists, including: 

  • Brighton & Hove City Council’s Environmental Health and Sustainable Drainage specialists
  • an externally appointed Contaminated Land Specialist
  • the Environment Agency
  • Southern Water

These experts assessed the information in the planning application and provide comments on it, including whether they agreed that the developer’s approach was safe.