Contaminated Land Strategy 2026–2031 final call
There is a final call for residents to have their say on the draft Contaminated Land Strategy. The 12-week consultation ends on 12 February and the final strategy is due to be adopted later in the year.
For land to be considered as contaminated there must be evidence of:
- Significant harm to health or the environment
- Significant pollution of controlled waters
- Or a significant possibility of either occurring.
The draft 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 approach to inspecting and managing land contamination is largely guided by national legislation. In addition to these statutory requirements, the strategy sets out the Council’s objectives and outlines the local approach to land inspection.
Councillor Stuart Bingham, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhood Pride said:
We have shared the draft strategy widely with residents, neighbouring councils, and agencies. Most of this strategy follows national legal guidelines, it also includes elements that the Council adopts to address local requirements. There is still time to add your thoughts to the new strategy. 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’.
The consultation will run until 12 February 2026