Phase 1 Desk Study for Residential Scheme in Maidstone, Kent

Lustre Consulting was appointed by DHA Group to conduct a Phase 1 Desk Study t Caring Stud, Maidstone. The site was earmarked for redevelopment into a residential scheme comprising 13 modern apartments with associated infrastructure. Given the site’s historical use and proximity to industrial activities, the project required careful environmental assessment to address contamination risks, comply with planning conditions, and unlock the site’s potential for development.

Given the site’s historical and current industrial uses, the project required careful assessment to address potential contamination risks, satisfy local planning conditions, and ensure the site was suitable for development.

Site Challenges

The site presented several environmental challenges due to its complex historical and current uses:

• Onsite Risks:
  • Historical use as allotments, with potential contamination from railway-related activities and demolition debris.
    
  • Current operations for manufacturing motorcycle exhausts, involving small-scale hazardous material storage.
    
• Offsite Risks:
  • Proximity to the Maidstone Barracks Railway line increased the potential for soil and vapor contamination.

These challenges raised concerns about contamination risks to future residents, buried infrastructure, and construction workers, which required thorough evaluation to proceed with development.

Our Approach

Lustre Consulting delivered a Phase 1 Desk Study tailored to the site’s needs and Maidstone Borough Councils requirements. Key elements of our approach included:

1. Historical and Environmental Data Review: We analysed historical maps, environmental records, and regulatory data to identify potential contamination on site.
   
2. Site Reconnaissance: Our contaminated land consultants, conducted onsite inspections confirmed risks identified during the desk-based review and assessed current land use conditions.
   
3. Conceptual Site Model Development: A detailed conceptual site model (CSM) was developed to identify pollutant linkages, assess risks to human health, and inform the need for further investigations.

Findings & Mitigation Recommendations

he study identified several key risks that required mitigation:

• Moderate Risk: Soil contamination from historical and current onsite activities, with the potential for vapours affecting future residents and buried infrastructure.
  
• Moderate to Low Risk: Vapor migration from adjacent railway land.

To address these risks, Lustre Consulting recommended:

• Phase 2 Site Investigation: Intrusive soil and groundwater sampling to confirm contamination levels and identify remediation needs.
  
• Watching Brief: Monitoring during groundworks to manage unexpected contamination.

Our recommendations provided clear, actionable steps to ensure the site met planning and environmental safety requirements.

Outcome

The Phase 1 Desk Study enabled DHA Group to secure planning permission for the development. By clearly identifying risks and proposing targeted mitigation strategies, Lustre Consulting ensured the site was ready for the next phase of development.

Key achievements included:

• Successful discharge of pre-planning environmental conditions.
  
• A clear roadmap for Phase 2 investigations and future remediation, ensuring the safety of residents and compliance with planning conditions.
  
• Support for a sustainable residential development in line with local planning requirements.

With Lustre Consulting’s support, the project is now primed for construction, providing much-needed housing while minimising environmental risks.

For expert advice on environmental assessments for residential and commercial developments, contact Lustre Consulting today.