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Contaminated land

Contaminated land is land that has the potential to cause harm to humans, property and the environment.

Past industrial activity within the city area has had a big impact over the years on the local environment resulting in potentially contaminated land at sites used for former industry, waste disposal and also where previous excavations and low-lying areas have been in-filled.

Contaminated land is generally described as land polluted by:

  • heavy metals
  • oils and tars
  • chemical substances and preparations
  • gases

We will:

  • inspect land in the city to identify any that is contaminated and prioritise any level of risk from contamination
  • keep a contaminated land register
  • advise on development of land 
  • respond to pollution incidents

If you need any further information email public.protection@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 304147.

Land development

It's the landowners responsibility to make sure there are no contamination issues on any future land developments. This must be considered at the planning application stage.

Radon

Radon is a gas or vapour (similar to steam but colourless), caused by the natural decay of uranium in rocks underlying many areas, including the south west region. Normally the gas disperses in air and does not cause any significant problems. However, when it collects in enclosed spaces, including in houses built on source rocks, higher gas concentrations may occur indoors. Radon may pose a significant health risk if concentrations are of a particularly high level over a lifetime exposure. More information is available on the Public Health England website.