Environmental searches

We hold a range of environmental information from several sources. This includes historical maps, borehole records, previous investigative reports and remedial works.

This is available to the public through the low-cost environmental search service. It is carried out by the Environmental Health Team.

There are two types of search:

• for information about property specific contamination and environmental issues for a property sale.
• for consultants or companies doing an environmental assessment of a site.

We strongly recommend an environmental search is done before the purchase, lease or development of any land or property in Darlington.

Environmental search 1

This search will produce a report for solicitors or people interested in the legal and contamination status of a site or property.

Information can include:

• assessment of previous land use obtained from historical maps
• a summary of any site investigations carried out
• a summary of any remedial work completed
• details of any landfill sites within a 250m radius
• the current status of the site under Part 2 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Details of any entries on the Public Register and if further investigation is needed or planned.

Environmental search 2

This search is mainly for environmental consultants who are interested in more details for a preliminary environmental assessment.

It covers the site and surrounding land within a 250 metre radius.

Information includes:

• previous land use including copies of historical maps and aerial photography available.
• a list of geo-environmental reports where available 
• the current status of the site and 250m buffer zone, under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Details of any entries on the Public Register and if further investigation is needed or planned.
• unlicensed, pre-licensed, closed or active landfill sites
• tank register
• Part A and Part B Installations
• pollution incidents
• a statement of Radon Class from data found on UK Radon website [external link]

Requesting an environmental search

To ask for a search complete our online environmental search form [opens new window].

Please include a plan which clearly shows the boundary of the site in question and your contact details. 

We have 20 working days to respond, this begins when payment is received. We aim to respond as soon as workloads allow. This is normally within 10 working days.

We are limited to the records available. While every effort is made to make sure the information is correct, this cannot be guaranteed. Darlington Borough Council accepts no responsibility for its accuracy or otherwise.

Requesting an environmental search has been defined as a “business as usual” request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The information exempt under Section 21 of the Act.

If you would like more information on the council’s policies and procedures on your information rights, please visit the Freedom of Information and Environmental Information request pages.

Fees

There are fees for environmental searches. 

The fee for each of the two standard searches is £90 per site. This is based on an officer’s average time to respond to a standard request.

Methods of payment

Please use the reference:

• Environmental Searches – Cost Code 16014 9815 – name of the site

By phone:

This is the preferred method of payment. Call 01325 406432 with a credit or debit card. 

By post:

Cheques or postal orders should be made payable to Darlington Borough Council.

Send cheques to:

Environmental Searches
Environmental Health
Town Hall
Darlington
DL1 5QT.