News

EnviroSolution news and guidance

Planning, development and environmental consultancy updates.

Read practical EnviroSolution articles covering planning conditions, contaminated land, coal mining risk, drainage, asbestos, ecology, energy assessment and other technical topics affecting UK development projects.

23 June 2025Contaminated Land

Building Near an Old Mine Shaft? Here’s Why a CMRA Matters

Mine shafts and adits can exist beneath or near your proposed building footprint without obvious signs at ground level. If you’re developing in a former coalfield, a Coal […]

Read article
23 June 2025Contaminated Land

Buying Land in a Former Mining Area? Here’s What You Need to Know

Coal mining was widespread across many parts of the UK, including the Midlands, Yorkshire, North East, and parts of Wales. If you’re buying land in these regions, a […]

Read article
23 June 2025Contaminated Land

Do I Need a Coal Mining Risk Assessment for My Planning Application?

If you’re preparing a planning application in an area with a history of coal mining, your local authority may request a Coal Mining Risk Assessment. This report is […]

Read article
23 June 2025Contaminated Land

How Much Does an Environmental Report Cost Before Construction?

Costs for environmental due diligence will depend on the nature of your site and the planning authority’s requirements. For many projects, the first step is a Phase 1 […]

Read article
23 June 2025Contaminated Land

What Is a Site Investigation Report – and When Is It Required?

If your planning authority has asked for a “site investigation” or “contamination risk assessment,” they are typically referring to a Phase 1 Desktop Study as the first step. […]

Read article
23 June 2025Contaminated Land

Do I Need a Phase 1 Desktop Study for a Brownfield Site?

In most cases, yes. Brownfield land — which refers to sites that have previously been developed — is far more likely to contain residual contamination than greenfield land. […]

Read article
23 June 2025Contaminated Land

How to Get Planning Permission When Contamination Is Suspected

If a site has previously been used for industrial or commercial purposes, or is listed on a contaminated land register, local planning authorities may request an environmental risk […]

Read article
23 June 2025Contaminated Land

What Surveys Do I Need Before Buying Land in the UK?

When purchasing land for development, it’s vital to understand what surveys and assessments are required to move forward safely and legally. One of the most common requirements — […]

Read article
19 June 2025Asbestos

We’re Converting a Former Council Property — What Are the Risks?

Council-built homes from the 1950s to 1980s often contain asbestos in materials like artex ceilings, heating duct panels, soffits, water tanks, and even vinyl flooring. If you’re converting […]

Read article
19 June 2025Asbestos

We Manage a School Built in the 60s — Should We Be Worried About Asbestos?

Asbestos is still present in thousands of school buildings across the UK, especially those constructed between the 1950s and 1980s. Ceiling tiles, pipe lagging, insulation panels and floor […]

Read article
19 June 2025Asbestos

We Need to Demolish — Do We Really Need an Asbestos Survey?

You’re on a tight schedule. The demolition crew is ready, and machines are lined up to knock down an old warehouse next week. But the health and safety […]

Read article
19 June 2025Asbestos

We Just Bought a Commercial Unit — Are We Responsible for Asbestos?

Buying a commercial property is a major investment — but it also comes with responsibilities. One of the most misunderstood is the legal duty to manage asbestos under […]

Read article