The Cabinet has decided to approve the draft Cheshire West and Chester Contaminated Land Strategy 2026-2031 to comply with environmental protection laws.

URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2058

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The draft Strategy sets out the Council’s approach to dealing with land affected by contamination which is located in all areas of the borough as a result of its industrial heritage and previous lack of regulation.

Content: The draft Strategy sets out the Council’s approach to dealing with land affected by contamination which is located in all areas of the borough as a result of its industrial heritage and previous lack of regulation. Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment and Communities which sought approval of the draft Cheshire West and Chester Contaminated Land Strategy 2026-2031 (attached at appendix 1).   Members noted that the Council had a statutory duty under Part IIA of the Environment Act 1990 to set out in writing its approach to carrying out its inspection duty for the purpose of identifying potentially contaminated land sites within the borough and determine whether they meet the statutory definition of contaminated land.  The Council’s approach was set out in the draft Contaminated Land Strategy which was attached as Appendix 1.   Members’ attention was drawn to section 4 of the report which detailed how the strategy was developed as well as the robust 12-week consultation which was undertaken from November 2025 to February 2026.  The consultation feedback report was attached at appendix 2.  Members also noted that a progress report on development of the draft Strategy had been considered by Places Overview and Scrutiny Committee in October 2025 and that two members of the Committee had joined the cross-party Contaminated Land Member Task and Finish Group which carried out a review of the draft Strategy prior to it going out to public consultation.   Councillor Stuart Bingham, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhood Pride, led the discussion on the item as proposer and the item was seconded by Councillor Karen Shore, Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways (including Waste).   Cabinet Members welcomed the report and the draft Contaminated Land Strategy, highlighting it as a significant and important piece of work which every local authority must have in place.  It was recognised that the Council had gone into greater detail than what was statutorily required when developing the draft Strategy.  Members welcomed the comprehensive consultation undertaken and highlighted the strong support shown in the consultation for the polluter pays principle, that the polluter should bear the cost of remediating contamination.  Councillor Bingham thanked all involved in the development of the Strategy including officers, Councillors and partner organisations, and in particular everyone who responded to the consultation which ultimately helped shape the Strategy and ensure it was compliant and tailored to local need.   DECIDED:     That    the draft Contaminated Land Strategy 2026-2031 (attached as appendix 1 to the report) be approved.   Reason for Decision    To ensure that the Council complies with its obligations under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and associated statutory guidance.   Alternative Options   It is an option not to publish a Contaminated Land Strategy in which case the Council would not be fulfilling its statutory duty.

Date of Decision: July 15, 2026