Phase 1 Environmental Surveys | Contaminated Land Assessments

Phase 1 Environmental Surveys – Professional Site Assessments Across the UK

Identify potential land contamination, support planning applications and make informed decisions about your development with a professional Phase 1 Environmental Survey.

At Evolution Safety Solutions Ltd, we provide comprehensive Phase 1 Environmental Surveys for developers, architects, landowners, property investors and commercial clients throughout the UK.

Our environmental consultants investigate a site’s history, existing conditions and potential contamination risks. We then produce a structured technical report to help you understand the environmental constraints affecting your property or proposed development.

Whether you need a Phase 1 Contaminated Land Assessment, a Preliminary Risk Assessment or an environmental desk study, our team can provide the professional support you require.

We tailor each assessment to the site, its proposed use and any relevant planning requirements. As a result, you receive clear findings, practical recommendations and a better understanding of your next steps.

Planning a development or concerned about potential contamination?

Request Your Phase 1 Environmental Survey Quotation Today

What Is a Phase 1 Environmental Survey?

A Phase 1 Environmental Survey is an initial investigation into the environmental condition of land or property. Its primary purpose is to identify potential sources of contamination and assess the risks they may present.

You may also hear this assessment described as:

• Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)

• Phase 1 Contaminated Land Assessment

• Phase 1 Environmental Desk Study

• Preliminary Risk Assessment (PRA)

• Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Assessment

• Contaminated Land Desk Study

These terms often describe closely related services. However, the exact requirements depend on the site and the reason for commissioning the assessment.

A typical survey combines historical research, environmental data analysis and an on-site walkover inspection.

Our consultants use this information to identify potential environmental hazards. They also assess whether those hazards could affect people, buildings, groundwater or the surrounding environment.

The findings inform an initial Conceptual Site Model (CSM) and a qualitative assessment of potential contamination risks.

This approach follows the principles of recognised UK land contamination guidance, including the Environment Agency’s Land Contamination Risk Management (LCRM) framework and relevant provisions of BS 10175.

Why Do You Need a Phase 1 Environmental Survey?

Environmental contamination can create significant challenges for construction projects, property transactions and land redevelopment.

Without an appropriate assessment, potential contamination may remain unidentified until construction begins. This can lead to unexpected costs, additional investigations and programme delays.

A professional Phase 1 Environmental Survey helps identify these risks at an early stage.

Supporting Planning Applications

Local planning authorities may require a Phase 1 Contaminated Land Assessment where a site has a potentially contaminative history.

For example, a planning condition may request an assessment before development or groundworks can proceed.

Our reports provide technical information to support planning submissions and the discharge of relevant contaminated land planning conditions.

Although the local planning authority makes the final decision, a properly scoped assessment can help demonstrate that potential environmental risks have been considered.

Property Purchases and Due Diligence

Buying commercial property or development land involves financial and environmental considerations.

Previous industrial activities, fuel storage or waste disposal may have affected the condition of the site.

A Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment helps prospective purchasers understand potential liabilities before completing a transaction.

Residential and Commercial Development

Land intended for housing, offices, industrial buildings or mixed-use developments may require environmental assessment.

Our consultants examine the site’s previous uses and surrounding conditions to identify potential contamination risks.

This information helps developers understand whether further investigation may be necessary before construction.

Redevelopment of Previously Used Land

Brownfield sites can offer valuable development opportunities. However, their historical uses may introduce environmental constraints.

Former industrial premises, workshops, garages, depots and manufacturing facilities can all present potential contamination concerns.

An early environmental assessment helps establish a clearer picture of these risks.

Need an environmental report for a planning application or property transaction?

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What Does Our Phase 1 Environmental Survey Include?

Our assessments provide a structured review of the site’s environmental history, current condition and potential contamination risks.

We tailor the scope to the property’s characteristics and the requirements of the commissioning client.

1. Historical Land Use Investigation

We investigate previous activities on the site and, where relevant, surrounding land.

This review may include historical mapping, available records and environmental information.

We look for evidence of potentially contaminative activities, including:

• Former industrial and manufacturing operations.

• Fuel storage, tanks and filling stations.

• Vehicle maintenance and engineering workshops.

• Waste disposal, landfill and made ground.

• Chemical storage and handling activities.

• Agricultural or commercial activities with potential contamination risks.

Understanding the site’s history helps us identify potential contamination sources that may not be visible today.

2. Environmental Desk Study

Our environmental desk study examines available information about the site’s setting.

Depending on the location, this may include:

• Geological and superficial ground conditions.

• Hydrogeological information and groundwater sensitivity.

• Nearby rivers, streams and surface water features.

• Historical and current land uses.

• Environmental permits and relevant regulatory records.

• Known or suspected landfill activities.

• Ground gas, radon and mining-related information where relevant.

We evaluate the available information to understand the environmental characteristics of the site.

3. Site Walkover Inspection

A site walkover allows our consultants to assess observable conditions and identify potential environmental concerns.

During the inspection, we may examine:

• Existing buildings and structures.

• Evidence of historical industrial activities.

• Above-ground storage tanks and visible fuel infrastructure.

• Areas of potentially contaminated or disturbed ground.

• Staining, unusual deposits or waste materials.

• Vegetation condition and other visible indicators.

• Drainage features and nearby sensitive receptors.

We record relevant observations and incorporate them into the assessment.

The walkover is non-intrusive. It does not involve excavation, drilling or laboratory sampling.

4. Preliminary Contamination Risk Assessment

We assess potential contamination risks using the recognised source–pathway–receptor approach.

This considers three essential elements:

Source: A substance or activity that could cause contamination.

Pathway: A route through which contamination could reach another location or person.

Receptor: Something that could suffer harm, such as people, groundwater, buildings or ecosystems.

Where a plausible connection exists between these elements, we evaluate the potential risk.

This process helps establish whether the available evidence indicates a need for further investigation.

5. Conceptual Site Model

The Conceptual Site Model brings together the information gathered during the assessment.

It identifies potential contamination sources, exposure pathways and sensitive receptors.

Our consultants use the model to evaluate plausible pollutant linkages and explain the site’s preliminary environmental risk profile.

The model also helps inform recommendations for any additional investigation.

6. Phase 1 Environmental Assessment Report

Following the investigation, we prepare a professional technical report.

The report will typically include:

• Site identification and description.

• Purpose and scope of the assessment.

• Historical land use findings.

• Environmental and geological setting.

• Site walkover observations.

• Potential contamination sources.

• Initial Conceptual Site Model.

• Preliminary qualitative risk assessment.

• Conclusions and recommendations.

• Identification of further investigation requirements, where appropriate.

We present the findings in a clear, structured format suitable for the intended purpose.

Our objective is to provide useful technical conclusions rather than simply reproduce environmental search data.

Phase 1 Environmental Surveys for Planning Conditions

Has your local planning authority requested a contaminated land assessment?

Planning conditions often require developers to demonstrate that potential contamination has been assessed before development proceeds.

A Phase 1 Environmental Survey can provide the initial evidence needed to address these requirements.

We review the relevant planning condition, assess the site and prepare a report aligned with the agreed scope.

Where appropriate, our assessment will consider the requirements of:

• Environment Agency Land Contamination Risk Management guidance.

• BS 10175 – Investigation of Potentially Contaminated Sites.

• Relevant contaminated land planning guidance.

• The local planning authority’s site-specific requirements.

The report will explain whether the available evidence supports the conclusion that further investigation is unnecessary or whether additional work is recommended.

We cannot guarantee the discharge of a planning condition. However, we can provide a technically reasoned assessment to support the submission.

Get Help With Your Contaminated Land Planning Condition

Phase 1 vs Phase 2 Environmental Surveys – What’s the Difference?

Understanding the distinction can help you commission the right assessment.

A Phase 1 assessment does not automatically lead to a Phase 2 investigation.

Where the initial assessment identifies no potentially unacceptable contamination risks, further investigation may not be necessary.

However, where significant uncertainties or plausible pollutant linkages remain, additional investigation may be recommended.

Our report will explain the reasoning behind these recommendations.

Who Can Benefit From Our Environmental Survey Services?

We support a broad range of clients and development projects.

• Property Developers and Housebuilders – Identify potential contamination risks before submitting planning applications or commencing construction.
• Architects and Planning Consultants – Obtain technical environmental reports to support planning submissions and development proposals.
• Commercial Property Owners – Understand potential environmental liabilities associated with existing premises, redevelopment or changes of use.
• Landowners and Property Investors – Commission environmental due diligence before purchasing, selling or developing land.
• Construction Companies – Understand site-specific environmental constraints that may influence groundworks and construction activities.
• Businesses and Industrial Operators – Assess potential contamination concerns associated with current or former commercial and industrial operations.

Whether your project involves a small residential plot or a larger commercial development, we can discuss the appropriate assessment requirements.

Why Choose Evolution Safety Solutions?

Choosing an environmental consultancy involves more than obtaining a report. You need practical advice, clear communication and a service that understands your project objectives.

Experienced Environmental Consultancy

Evolution Safety Solutions provides professional environmental, health and safety, fire and quality consultancy services.

Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to consider environmental issues alongside the wider challenges facing construction and development projects.

ISO-Certified Management Systems

We operate certified management systems covering ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.

These standards support our commitment to quality, environmental management and occupational health and safety.

Clear, Practical Reporting

Our reports explain the findings, relevant risks and recommended next steps.

We aim to provide information that developers, planning professionals and property owners can use to make informed decisions.

Tailored Assessments

Every site is different.

We consider its history, proposed use, location and assessment objectives before establishing the scope of work.

UK-Wide Consultancy Support

Based in South Wales, Evolution Safety Solutions supports clients throughout England, Wales and the wider UK, subject to project requirements.

We can assist with individual assessments and larger programmes involving multiple properties or development sites.

Broader Development Support

Our consultancy services extend beyond environmental assessments.

Where appropriate, we can also assist with related environmental management, construction safety, CDM compliance and planning-support documentation.

This offers clients access to complementary professional services through one consultancy.

Work with a professional environmental consultancy that understands the demands of property development.

Contact Evolution Safety Solutions for a Quotation

What Information Do We Need to Provide a Quotation?

To prepare an appropriate quotation, we will usually need a few details about your site and project.

Please provide:

1. Site address and postcode: The location of the land or property.

2. Site size: An approximate area or boundary plan, if available.

3. Current site use: For example, residential, commercial, industrial or vacant land.

4. Proposed development: A brief description of your plans.

5. Planning requirements: Any relevant planning conditions or correspondence from the local authority.

6. Existing information: Previous environmental reports, site plans or supporting documents, where available.

7. Required timescale: Any submission deadline or project programme requirements.

You do not need to have every document available before contacting us.

Our team can review your initial enquiry and explain what additional information may be necessary.

How Our Phase 1 Environmental Survey Process Works

Frequently Asked Questions About Phase 1 Environmental Surveys

How much does a Phase 1 Environmental Survey cost?

The cost depends on the size, location, history and complexity of the site.

A small residential development may require a different level of investigation from a former industrial property.

We provide project-specific quotations based on the assessment requirements. Prices start at £1950+vat.

Request a Competitive Quotation

How long does a Phase 1 Environmental Survey take?

Timescales depend on the scope, site access and availability of relevant environmental information.

We will discuss your project deadline during the enquiry stage and confirm an anticipated delivery programme.

Is a Phase 1 Environmental Survey required for planning permission?

Not every development requires one.

However, a local planning authority may request an assessment where historical land use or other information indicates potential contamination concerns.

A Phase 1 report may also be required to support the discharge of a contaminated land planning condition.

Does a Phase 1 Environmental Survey include soil testing?

No. Our standard Phase 1 assessment is non-intrusive.

It involves desk-based research, a site walkover and preliminary risk assessment.

If the findings indicate that soil or groundwater testing is necessary, we will explain the requirement for a further investigation.

Can a Phase 1 Environmental Survey identify asbestos contamination?

The assessment can identify historical activities or visible conditions that suggest potential asbestos-containing materials in the ground.

However, it cannot confirm the presence or absence of asbestos contamination without appropriate sampling and analysis.

A separate investigation may therefore be necessary.

Will a Phase 1 Environmental Survey satisfy my planning condition?

That depends on the wording of the condition, the site’s circumstances and the assessment findings.

We can review the planning requirements before undertaking the work.

Where a Phase 1 assessment provides sufficient evidence, it may support discharge of the relevant condition. However, the local planning authority determines whether the submission is acceptable.

What happens if potential contamination is identified?

Our report will explain the identified concerns and assess their potential significance.

Where necessary, we will recommend further investigation or other appropriate action.

Finding a potential contamination source does not automatically mean that the land is unsuitable for development.

Do you provide Phase 1 Environmental Surveys throughout the UK?

Yes. Evolution Safety Solutions supports projects across the UK, with assessment arrangements determined by the site location and scope.

Our team can discuss your requirements and confirm availability.

Book Your Phase 1 Environmental Survey Today

Don’t allow uncertainty about land contamination to hold back your development.

Whether you are preparing a planning application, purchasing commercial property or redeveloping previously used land, an early environmental assessment can help you make informed decisions.

Evolution Safety Solutions provides professional Phase 1 Environmental Surveys, contaminated land desk studies and Preliminary Risk Assessments tailored to your project.

Our consultants focus on identifying relevant risks, producing clear technical reports and explaining the next steps.

Contact us today to discuss your site, obtain a quotation and establish the appropriate assessment requirements.

REQUEST YOUR PHASE 1 ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEY QUOTATION