Land contamination

Across the UK, there are areas of land containing potentially harmful 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 such sites within the UK. In Dorset, the council’s Environmental Protection Team identifies and keeps records of such sites.

The great majority of these sites pose little immediate hazard to human health or the environment, and as such do not meet the legal definition of ‘contaminated land’. However, if such land (or land near it) is developed, redeveloped, or has a change of use, planning controls mean that the planning applicant/developer must assess it in relation to contamination and ensure that it is safe for its new use. This will necessitate the services of a suitably qualified and competent consultant/professional.

If a site is formally determined as ‘contaminated land’, we will identify the ‘appropriate person’ responsible for making the site safe and we will secure the necessary remediation measures in accordance with the law and government guidance. The legal definition of ‘contaminated land’ is very specific so formal determination is uncommon, especially in rural areas.

Certain types of 'contaminated land' are classed as special sites and are regulated by the Environment Agency. These are where the contamination tends to be particularly severe or difficult to treat.

Contaminated Land Strategy

Councils must set out their approach to fulfilling their regulatory responsibilities for land contamination. Read our Contaminated Land Strategy for the period 2024 to 2029.

Public register

Councils are required to maintain a public register of specified information relating to sites in their area which have been formally determined as ‘contaminated land’. Read our Dorset Contaminated Land Public Register.

Requesting information about potential contamination at specific locations in Dorset

If you need land contamination information about a particular property or parcel of land, we can provide the information we hold. Please be specific in the questions that you ask, so that we can provide the correct information as promptly as possible. 

These enquiries are treated as requests under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. We charge £108.75 for the first 90 minutes (or part thereof) taken in collating your information. If it is anticipated that this will take longer than 90 minutes, we will contact you to provide an estimate of the total cost.