Contaminated Land
Perth and Kinross Council has a duty under the Contaminated Land (Scotland) Regulations 2000 to implement a strategy to deal with the legacy of sites which, may have through their past use become contaminated by virtue of the processes conducted. The Council has a statutory duty to, cause its area to be inspected from time to time and inspect the area to identify sites that have the possibility or the significant possibility of causing harm to human health and the environment.
The regime is designed to prioritise and deal with the sites that pose the worst threat of pollution and causing harm to human health and the environment.
Perth and Kinross by way of its natural heritage, has never been industrialised by the heavily polluting industries like other parts of Scotland during the industrial revolution and the post-war years. The geographical distribution of the towns and villages throughout Perth and Kinross area and it's more rural heritage has perhaps given a reprieve from the legacy of contamination that will have to be dealt with by other Councils that have seen historically, heavier industrialisation.
This does not mean however that we don't have a problem with historical contamination that has to be dealt with through the contaminated land and planning regimes.
With the increasing pressure on Greenfield sites, Perth and Kinross Council must seek to capitalise on the development potential of Brownfield sites and where possible promote the re-development of these sites. Through policy development we can realise a sustainable future, reducing the impact of our development needs and sustaining our natural heritage and biodiversity in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The new regime cannot be viewed in isolation and we are integrating the policies on the strategic platform and dovetailing to provide an integrated approach to deal with not just the sites which are identified through the regime but Brownfield sites in general.
This will ensure that we not only capitalise on the value of the land as a resource but also unlock the full economic potential of Perth and Kinross, enhancing, in a sustainable manner, our natural and built environment..
To date Perth and Kinross Council has identified the sites of potentially contaminated land within its boundaries and is currently investigating those it considers to be of higher risk. These investigations will take place in accordance with the Council's Contaminated Land Strategy [PDF: 804Kb]. This website acts as an invaluable resource of information and guidance aimed at both developers and householders.
Further information about contaminated land can be found on the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency website and the Scottish Government website.
