Decision details

Members considered a report which detailed the background to the preliminary contaminated land investigations into three areas of land in the city. On 9 February 2005, in compliance with the City of York Council ‘Contaminated Land Strategy’, and the statutory requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Executive Member approved a report which included a proposal for initial (“preliminary”) investigation by Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) of three areas of land which historically had been used for domestic and / or commercial waste tipping (“landfilling”).  Later that year, the council’s EPU in accordance with the decision by the Executive Member, conducted preliminary contaminated land investigations of the following council-owned land; Nun Ings (off Butcher Terrace) in Micklegate ward, King George’s Playing Field in Heworth ward, Tang Hall Primary School Playing Field (at the junction of Eighth Avenue and Fifth Avenue) in Heworth ward.

In March 2006 as a result of preliminary investigations an application was made to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for grant funding to support more detailed investigation of these areas. In July 2006 Defra replied to say they approved the requested funding (£33,150).

Members were asked for a decision regarding the acceptance of the grant offered and whether to conduct the detailed investigations.

Members were updated that the investigation and monitoring of the sites would require additional staffing resources of 0.5 fte Contaminated Land Assistant on a temporary basis until the investigation was complete. The cost of this resource would be funded from the grant.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised :

(i)                 To accept the grant fund offered by Defra;

(ii)               To note that the Director of Neighbourhood Services exercises his delegated powers to appoint a part-time contaminated land assistant on a temporary basis as detailed above.  

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:             That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.       

REASON:                  (i) To allow the council to investigate the three areas of land identified, in accordance with the obligations placed on the council by Part 11A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990;

                                    (ii) To update the Executive Member.