Guide
Phase 1 desk study: what it covers and what UK firms charge
Updated
A Phase 1 desk study is a review of a site's history and records, usually with a walkover, that says whether contamination is likely and what to do next. Nine UK firms that print a price for one start at £500 to £950, a median of £750, read on 27 October 2026.
What a Phase 1 desk study is
Planning Practice Guidance says that where there is reason to believe contamination could be an issue, an applicant may be required to provide at least the report of a desk study and site walk-over, prepared by a competent person (gov.uk, land affected by contamination, paragraph 33-007). That report is what the trade calls a Phase 1 desk study or preliminary risk assessment.
- The site's past uses, from historical Ordnance Survey maps and records.
- The ground, water and setting, from geological and Environment Agency records.
- A site walkover, where the firm visits and looks.
- A conceptual site model: the likely sources of contamination, the pathways and who or what could be harmed.
- A recommendation: no further work, or a Phase 2 investigation.
What it costs
| Firm | Published price | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| EnviroSolution | £500 to £700 | small residential plot, the firm's own fee table |
| Soilutions | £500 to £1,200 + VAT | desk study and preliminary risk assessment |
| Technics Group | from £600 + VAT | desk-based, no site walkover |
| Ground First | from £725 + VAT | Phase 1 desktop |
| Earth Environmental & Geotechnical | £750 + VAT | basic desk study, no walkover |
| Cornwall Mining Consultants | from £750 + VAT | Phase I land contamination desk study |
| Castledine Environmental | from £795 | Phase 1 desktop with walkover |
| GeoSmart Information | from £850 + VAT | Phase 1 contaminated land report |
| Arbtech | from £950 | Phase 1 survey |
Source: Contaminated Land Survey Fee Index: every row, with its source
With a site walkover as a separate line, three firms print £800 (Technics Group), £845 (Ground First) and £950 + VAT (Earth Environmental & Geotechnical). Check whether your council expects a walkover before you buy the cheaper version.
A screening report is not a Phase 1
Automated ground risk reports are sold from £39 (AIGEOREPORT), £75 + VAT (GeoScreen), £295 (PF & Co) and £300 + VAT (Ground & Water's anticipated ground conditions sheet). They are useful before you buy a plot, but a planning condition asks for a report by a competent person, so ask the council before relying on one.