Contaminated Land Strategy 2026 - 2031
A draft Contaminated Land Strategy consultation launches today (20 November). The consultation will inform the final Contaminated Land Strategy, to be adopted in 2026.
The strategy sets out Cheshire West and Chester Council’s approach to inspecting and managing land affected by contamination in the borough, to improve environmental health and protect the public from land contamination risks.
The Council’s approach to inspecting and managing land contamination is largely guided by national statutory regulations. In addition to these statutory requirements, the strategy sets out the Council’s objectives and outlines the local approach to land inspection.
The consultation will run from 20 November until 12 February 2026 further details can be seen at: https://participatenow.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/contaminated-land-strategy
Councillor Stuart Bingham, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhood Pride said:
Before this new Strategy is adopted we are consulting widely with residents, our neighbouring councils, and partners. The majority of this strategy follows national legal guidelines, it also includes elements that the Council adopts for local requirements. Most contaminated land is dealt with through the planning process. It is important to recognise that even if land is affected by contamination, it may not meet the statutory definition of ‘contaminated land’.
Across the UK, industrial and other historical land use has left land affected by contamination. Substances in, on, or under land, can cause potential harm to people, property and the wider environment. Substances can also cause pollution of watercourses and groundwater.
To meet the statutory definition of contaminated land there must be evidence of:
- Significant harm to health or the environment
- Significant pollution of controlled waters
- Or a significant possibility of either occurring.