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Hi Paul, Long time since we have spoken You’re right of course a walkover is always preferable but not always included in reports and I hope the discussion has clarified CLO’s concerns regarding what we should be asking for and when. I am still of the opinion that given the right circumstances a desktop study may not require a walkover survey. It has also shown there is a marked difference between LA’s in their application and interpretation of the guidance how much of this is related to officer experience, resources and council policy I wouldn’t like to say but I believe by having these discussions we can formulate a better understanding of the day to day issues we all face. As you pointed out developers are in it for the dough and I particularly like the point Paul Nathanail made that no real extra effort or cost is involved if the right person does a combined geotechnical/land contamination walkover. This would largely be the responsibility of the consultancies to educate their clients that such a simple exercise could have a significant effect on the success of a site investigation. (I am sure good Consultancies do this already) Christiaan