Although the compiling of a land condition record is voluntary Phil Kilby, chair of the land condition record working group said it was in the interests of homebuilders to use the records. "Using a standard format to present data relevant to land contamination will make land transactions easier and more transparent. The land condition record will give developers the confidence to make the right decisions."
Land condition records will contain factual information normally obtained by landowners or purchasers during a study of the land or as part of remediation. Each record would have to be completed within a quality assurance system, and verified by someone with expertise in land management and contamination issues.
Each record provides a structured framework for presenting the basic data required to fulfil Building Regulations 1991 and in particular Approved Documents A and C.
"The land condition record brings order to a very haphazard process," said Dr Ian Roxburgh, a member of the land condition record working group and md of strategic land management at Wimpey.
There are limitations to land condition records. They do not cover potential liabilities, evaluation of risk, estimation of costs, recommendations for action, or recommendations relating to valuation or sale. "It's an honest attempt to get round a difficult problem but caveat emptor still applies," said Roxburgh.
For copies of the report, contact the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment on 01522 540069.
Source
Building Homes
