On this page: Information about the strategy and approach to identify contaminated land, advice and guidance for developers of previously used land and how to let us know if you suspect that a piece of land is contaminated.
Description of Service
Swindon Borough Council has responsibility for developing and delivering the strategy to identify contaminated land within the Borough of Swindon and to ensure that it is made safe. We also comment on, visit and review current or proposed developments on brown field sites to ensure the works will not harm public health now or in the future.
Development on previously used land can be more complex so we offer a self-help leaflet offering further advice and guidance on tackling possible contamination issues. This is available as a downloadable PDF file:
Contaminated Land - Guidance Notes for Developers, Agents and Consultants
What is Land Contamination?
Land can become contaminated by substances that are hazardous to health causing pollution of the environment and damage to buildings and structures. Land becomes contaminated by various means, but most commonly it is a legacy of 200 years of industrial activity in Britain. There has been a long history of industrial activity within the Borough of Swindon.
If you are concerned about contamination on land and feel that an investigation is necessary, please contact us.
Service Levels
Initially, we aim to respond to your requests within two working days of receiving them, although full investigation and testing will take longer. In some cases legal action may be necessary to enforce regulations.
Homeowners and prospective homebuyers that are affected by potential land contamination can also download our advice leaflet What does contaminated land mean to me? The leaflet, which is in PDF format, contains important advice and guidance.
Contaminated land Strategy and Register
Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 is intended specifically to address the historical legacy of contaminated land, enabling the identification and clean-up of land where contamination is causing unacceptable risks to human health or to the wider environment.
It is government policy to ensure that the polluter pays, and councils have powers to make polluters clean up contaminated land.
Contaminated Land Strategy
We have produced a Contaminated Land Strategy, that has now been updated, and is currently being implemented. This strategy outlines how we deal with contaminated land in the Borough. It describes how we identify and prioritise sites for further investigation, as well as information about liability, enforcement and remediation. The strategy is available as a downloadable PDF file:
Contaminated Land Strategy (PDF)
Contaminated Land register
Swindon Borough Council maintains a public register of land that has been determined as contaminated under Part 2a. The register contains information on remediation notices and details of the condition of the land.
There are currently no entries on our contaminated land register.
Report a Problem
You can do this in a number of ways:
Use the online facility to Report Contaminated Land.
By telephone to the StreetSmart Team at the Swindon Direct Contact Centre on 01793 445501. For details of the Contact Centre opening hours, please visit the Swindon Direct web page.
In person, by visiting the Swindon Direct One-stop-shop. For details of the address and opening hours, please visit the Swindon Direct web page.