The
Blackpool Local Plan guides development decisions of the Council. The Local Plan policy which deals with development on contaminated land (Policy BH4) states:
Public Health and Safety Developments which are considered likely to be detrimental to public health and safety will not be permitted:...
...(d) Proposals for the development of potentially unstable or contaminated land will only be permitted following a satisfactory site investigation and the remedying of any identified hazards.
In considering planning applications for developments that would have a potentially adverse effect on their surroundings, the Council will seek to control the location of such activities and land uses and restrict their development in close proximity to residential and other environmentally sensitive areas. Where necessary the Council will require mitigating measures to be taken to minimise any unacceptable effects of development.
A major problem associated with unstable or contaminated land is the possible migration of methane, particularly from former landfill sites. This should be remedied before development begins on or adjacent to the site. The disturbance of contaminated land can mobilise pollutants and either cause first time pollution or worsen existing problems. Leachates and drainage from contaminated land sites pose serious risks of pollution to watercourses and ground water.
Where it can be demonstrated that proposed developments will not cause or increase pollution and that necessary measures to remedy problems have been taken, then proposals for appropriate uses will be permitted provided they relate well to the existing character of an area.