Solmek Ltd
What is a Phase 1 Desk Study?
A Phase 1 Desk Study is the first stage of assessing a site for potential ground, environmental and contamination risks before development. It brings together historical information, environmental data and site reconnaissance to identify potential constraints and determine whether further investigation, such as a Phase 2 Site Investigation, is required.
Phase 1 Desk Studies are commonly required to support planning applications, land purchases and development projects. Solmek provides Phase 1 Desk Study reports across the UK, helping clients understand site risks and meet relevant planning and environmental requirements. Should you be in need of a Phase 1 Desk Study in the UK, then be sure to contact Solmek today.
Working across the UK
Phase 1 Desk Study Reports
Depending on the requirements of the phase 1 desk study report and the individual site setting, the desk study will research various sources of evidence to identify all hazards which will pose developmental considerations. These sources of evidence include historic maps, geological maps, aerial photography, coal mining records, public data, archival records and environmental registers. From these sources, hazards are identified which may include former landfills, mining activity, geological instability, contamination sources, pollution controls and incidents.
The site reconnaissance forms a crucial aspect of a phase 1 desk study, which can identify potential issues to the proposed development and help inform later site investigation works which are unrecorded in the research data. This may include asbestos containing materials in buildings, buried or overhead utilities, access restrictions and illegal dumping of waste. Valuable information may also be gleaned from the current occupiers of the site or members of the public, this may include information unrecorded in the research data or unobserved during the reconnaissance.
The findings of the Phase 1 Desk Study is then summarised into a Conceptual Site Model (CSM) which identifies the potential sources of contamination and pathways to on-site and off-site receptors. The CSM should be viewed as a living document, which is revised as additional information is obtained. Where no potential hazards or linkages are identified, further investigation may not be deemed necessary.
Comprehensive Desk Studies
When is a Phase 1 Desk Study Needed?
Phase 1 Desk Studies have become increasingly common in the construction industry with both domestic and commercial clients. Whether you're building your dream home or redeveloping an old site, a phase 1 desk study will help you to gain a better understanding of the ground conditions and any potential contaminations; meaning you can then plan more effectively for a site investigation. There are many reasons as to why someone might choose to carry out a phase 1 desk study in the UK and three of the most common reasons for them to be carried out are:
- Planning - To help ensure the protection of the local area and correct development of sites, many local authorities now require a phase 1 desk study to be carried out to support a planning application. When it comes to planning permission, phase 1 desk studies might also be referred to as Phase 1 Preliminary Risk Assessments.
- Land Purchase and Development Due Diligence - When planning on purchasing a piece of land, especially if it's a brownfield site, to give yourself peace of mind before purchasing you might choose to carry out a phase 1 desk study. A phase 1 desk study will help you to identify and evaluate potential issues with the land and what remedial works might be required to resolve any issues or potential contaminations highlighted.
- Warranty - If you are wanting to ensure your properties are covered by a warranty, then warranty providers such as The National House Building Council, also known as NHBC, might request for you to carry out phase 1 desk study to work as a supporting document for the warranty.
Why Choose Us For Phase 1 Desk Studies?
20+
Years of Experience
5000+
Completed Projects
Need a Phase 1 Desk Study for your site or development?
Solmek has over 20 years of experience delivering Phase 1 Desk Studies for developers, landowners and property professionals across the UK. We work with clients from initial assessment through to reporting and, where required, further site investigation.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say...
"We have used Solmek for a number of years to carry out site investigations on a great number of sites and would have no hesitation recommending them to any Clients for this type of work. Solmek have always been reliable, trust worthy and pro-active dealing with issues as they arise on site in a truly professional manner."
Paul Winship
Partner, Billinghurst George And Partners
"Solmek have undertaken Phase 1 Desk Studies and Phase 2 Site Investigations across a large number of County Durham Housing Group’s (CDHG) sites. Solmek provided a quick and efficient service, they have been proactive in dealing with an queries arising and we look forward to working with them again in the future."
Tom Winter
Development Officer, County Durham Housing Group