Site contamination 

Site investigation works have identified extensive contamination across the site, including asbestos, heavy metals and hazardous hydrocarbons (such as PAHs, naphthalene, TPH compounds and VOCs). This mainly arises from the site’s historic use as a brickworks tip, later fly-tipping and shallow soil cover. Elevated mercury has also been recorded in several locations. Poor drainage has added to these problems and as it stands, much of the land is not safe for public access.

Leaving the site in its current condition is not responsible option, meaning risks will remain static and could increase over time. The University, as the landowner, would prefer to see these contamination issues addressed and feel the solution presented addresses these issues in a responsible and commercially viable way. If planning consent is not granted, an alternative solution to securing and managing the site will need to be considered.

The aim is therefore to make the site safe and suitable for its future use through a properly designed and controlled remediation process taking into consideration existing habitats, species and local residents. While this remediation comes at a significant cost to the developer, it delivers a substantial environmental and public safety benefit that would not otherwise be realised. The current remediation statement is an outline, not the final detailed method. Before any work can start, a detailed scheme must be prepared by professionals, specialist contractors and approved by the relevant authorities.

The work is expected to include removing the most harmful contamination, safely containing affected materials where appropriate, and installing clean cover layers to protect future users of the site. While this will involve carefully controlled disturbance of contaminated materials, it will be undertaken using established best-practice techniques to minimise any risk. Measures such as controlled working methods, dust and particle suppression, environmental monitoring and secure site management will be put in place to ensure that risks to the public and surrounding area remain very low throughout the works.

No works can proceed until the necessary approvals are in place. Manchester City Council, and where relevant the Environment Agency, will oversee the process. Independent specialists will supervise, monitor and verify the works to ensure that all activity meets required safety and environmental standards. This robust regulatory framework provides assurance that remediation will be carried out safely and effectively.

Contamination issues have been discussed with Manchester City Council’s environmental health officers during the pre-application process, and the remediation strategy has been shaped by our professionals following those discussions. The position set out in the planning material is clear: remediation is required to address existing risks and make the site suitable for its proposed future uses. A more detailed remediation scheme will require formal approval before works can begin, and a verification report will be required afterwards to confirm that the site meets the agreed standards.

Further detail is set out in the outline Remediation Strategy in the appendix to the Environmental Impact Assessment submitted as part of the planning application.