Paul,
I agree with you if the previous land use was brownfield or Greenfield
surrounded by brownfield land. However, for sites with new build
introducing sensitive receptors PPS 23 requires a Desktop study. If a
pragmatic approach is taken and the additional cost of a walkover
survey/site reconnaissance is considered then surely there would be no
need to carry out a site walk over on a site that has been Greenfield (on
maps) since 1847??
“The first step in the investigation process will always be a preliminary
investigation (desk study)
(see clause 6). The methodology for carrying out a fully comprehensive
preliminary investigation is based on reference to historical records
(6.2.1.2.1) and other sources of information (6.2.1.2.2), consultation
with relevant sources (6.2.1.5) and a site reconnaissance (6.2.2).
However, the objectives may not require such detail, in which case the
strategy will identify what aspects of the preliminary investigation are
necessary and those which do not need to be addressed.”
(BS: 10175, 2001)
Christiaan
|