Environmental searches

We hold a range of environmental information from several sources. This includes historical maps, 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 three types of search:

• simple statement
• property specific environmental search
• environmental consultants report

Simple Statement

This is a letter which provides clarification for a specific question or concern raised through any property sale searches. It is designed to answer specific questions such as:

• Has the site been designated as “Contaminated land” as defined under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990? 
• Does the Local Authority have any plans to carry out any intrusive investigation, or other proposed action in respect of land contamination affecting this property?

Property Specific Environmental Search

This type of search will produce a letter report for solicitors or people who are interested in the legal and contamination status of a particular site or property. The type of information about a property or site can include:

• an Officer’s assessment of previous land use obtained from historical maps
• a summary of any site investigations carried out
• a summary of any remedial work completed, where available
• information regarding any landfill sites within a 250m radius
• the current status of the site under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, details of any entries on the Public Register and whether any further investigation is required or planned.

Environmental Consultants Report

This type of search is primarily for Environmental Consultants who are interested in obtaining more detailed information than a preliminary environmental assessment from a national search provider. This option covers the property specific environmental search as well as the 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 whether any further investigation is required 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. 

These fees are based on an officer’s average time to compile the data for a standard request.

Methods of payment

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.

Please write Environmental Searches – 16014 9815 on the reverse of the cheque.

Include the name of the site.

Send cheques to:

Environmental Searches
Environmental Health
Town Hall
Darlington
DL1 5QT.