Contaminated land
Many areas of land have become contaminated by the residues left behind by activities such as mining, waste disposal and general industrial processes.
There are believed to be between 50,000 and 100,000 potentially contaminated sites within the UK. Most of these sites do not pose any immediate hazard to human health or the environment but until the contamination is treated the land may be severely restricted in how it may be used.
The district and borough councils are in the process of identifying and registering contaminated land in their areas. Where they identify an area of contaminated land, they will identify who is responsible for the contamination and agree what works they should do to prevent the contamination causing harm to health or the environment. They will also need to ensure that any development takes account of the contamination. Additional consultations and considerations apply to any built development within 250 metres of an existing or former landfill site.
Certain types of contaminated land, where the contamination tends to be particularly severe or difficult to treat are classed as special sites. These are regulated by the
Environment Agency (opens in a new window) 
Further information can be found in the
Planning Advice Note (pdf, 110kb) (opens in a new window) published by The Dorset and New Forest Contaminated Land Consortium of Local Authorities.
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Contaminated Land - Purbeck
Local Authorities have duties and responsibilities under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to investigate land which is defined as contaminated under the terms of the act.
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Contaminated Land - Weymouth and Portland
Local Authorities have duties and responsibilities under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to investigate land which is defined as contaminated under the terms of the act.
