Overview
Wiser Environment was appointed by the Elemento Group to assess land quality at several residential development sites across London. The aim was to check whether the land was suitable for housing, identify any potential contamination issues, and provide the information needed to support planning approvals and meet planning conditions.
Our work covered each site from early background research through to on-site investigations and more detailed assessments where required. Using a clear, step-by-step approach, we reviewed how the land had been used in the past, carried out ground investigations, assessed any risks to future residents, and provided practical advice to help designs move forward. We also supplied ground condition information to support building design and worked closely with the planning process to ensure all requirements were met.
This approach was applied across a number of residential sites, with each project tailored to the specific risks and planning requirements of the location. The following examples demonstrate how these assessments were delivered in practice.
Seven Sisters Road – Intrusive Site Investigation
At Seven Sisters Road, Wiser Environment carried out on-site investigations to meet planning requirements and confirm the land was safe for development. The work checked whether any contamination was present and whether it could pose a risk to future residents. At the same time, we gathered information about ground conditions to support building design. This gave the client confidence to move forward with the development while meeting planning and regulatory expectations.
Rushey Green – Phase I Land Quality Assessment
For the Rushey Green site, Wiser Environment carried out an initial land quality assessment to support plans for new housing. This involved reviewing how the land had been used in the past and identifying any issues that could affect future development. We also carried out limited ground checks to better understand soil conditions and confirm whether any contamination was present. The assessment helped the local council clearly understand the site’s risks and supported informed decisions about the next steps of the development.
Hanwell – Phase I & Phase II Risk Assessment
At the Hanwell site, Wiser Environment first carried out an initial study to understand the site’s history and assess whether it was suitable for housing. This was followed by a more detailed assessment using information collected from site investigations, which helped us better understand any potential contamination risks. The work confirmed whether any clean-up was needed and ensured the site met planning and environmental requirements before development could move forward.
Outcome
Overall, Wiser Environment’s Land Quality Assessment services supported the successful progression of multiple residential development sites by clearly identifying and managing land contamination and ground-related risks. Through a proportionate, risk-based approach, we provided the information required to support planning applications, discharge contaminated land conditions and confirm site suitability for residential use. Our assessments gave both the client and local authorities confidence that environmental and geotechnical risks had been properly considered, enabling development to move forward in compliance with planning and regulatory requirements.