PHASE 1 DESK STUDY & PRELIMINARY RISK ASSESSMENT
Change the headline to: Comprehensive Phase 1 Desk Study and Preliminary Risk Assessment for Planning & Development
Northpoint Geotechnical provides Phase 1 Desk Studies and Preliminary Risk Assessments to support planning, due diligence and early-stage project feasibility. Our assessments combine desk-based research, historical mapping review, environmental data analysis, and a site walkover survey to identify geotechnical and land contamination risks.
We provide clear, planning-compliant Preliminary Risk Assessment with practical recommendations, helping developers, landowners and planners make informed decisions and move projects forward with confidence.
📍 Supporting projects across England, Scotland & Wales
📑 Prepared in accordance with BS 5930, BS 10175 and LCRM
What is a Phase 1 Desk Study?
A Phase 1 Desk Study - also known as a Preliminary Risk Assessment - is a desk-based, non-intrusive investigation that reviews historical, geological and environmental information, alongside a site walkover survey, to identify potential hazards that could affect a development. It is often a planning requirement and is essential for understanding ground conditions before any intrusive works take place.
This assessment helps to:
Identify potential land contamination risks
Assess geological and environmental constraints
Support planning applications and property transactions
Determine whether further investigation (Phase 2: Site Investigation – Ground Investigation) is required
We recommend completing a Phase 1 Desk Study early in the project lifecycle to avoid unexpected ground risks, delays and additional costs later.
What our Phase 1 Desk Study Service Includes
Every Northpoint Phase 1 Desk Study (Preliminary Risk Assessment) is prepared by experienced Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineers. Each report is site-specific to your land and development proposals, and includes:
Historical Land Use Analysis: Review of historic maps, aerial imagery, and planning records to identify former land uses, infilled ground, and industrial activity that may indicate land contamination or ground stability risks.
Geological & Environmental Assessments: Evaluation of geological conditions, mining legacy and ground stability risks, alongside hydrogeology, groundwater sensitivity and flood risk, using British Geological Survey and other authoritative datasets.
Regulatory & Planning Checks: Review of environmental records, contaminated land registers, planning history, and Mining Remediation Authority (formerly The Coal Authority) data to support planning and regulatory compliance.
Site Walkover Survey: On-site inspection to verify desk-based findings, observe visible hazards and site condition indicators, and confirm assumptions in accordance with BS 10175.
Preliminary Geotechnical Assessment: Early identification of potential ground stability constraints, foundation considerations, groundwater influence and other engineering risks affecting feasibility and design.
Conceptual Site Model (CSM): Development of a Source–Pathway–Receptor model defining potential pollutant linkages and associated uncertainties, informing the preliminary land contamination risk assessment.
Preliminary Geoenvironmental & Land Contamination Assessment: Assessment of potential land contamination, Human Health, Controlled Waters and Ground Gas risks, to determine whether further Phase 2 Site Investigation - Ground Investigation is required.
Phase 1 Desk Study vs. Phase 2 Ground Investigation
Phase 1 Desk Study (Preliminary Risk Assessment): A desk-based, non-intrusive assessment supported by a photographed site walkover survey. We review historical mapping, BGS geology and mining data, flood risk information, environmental records and regulatory datasets, and planning history. Output: A clear report setting out the preliminary ground model, Conceptual Site Model, risk screening and proportionate recommendations — compliant with BS 10175 and EA LCRM.
Phase 2 Ground Investigation: Targeted intrusive investigation to confirm risks and inform design. Techniques may include boreholes, trial pits, in-situ testing, gas and groundwater monitoring, and laboratory analysis. Output: A refined ground model, land contamination risk assessment and engineering design recommendations — aligned with BS 5930 and Eurocode 7.
When is Phase 2 Needed? When Phase 1 identifies credible source–pathway–receptor linkages or geotechnical uncertainties. Northpoint will set out a scoped and costed Phase 2 proposal, with programme and methodology, to keep your project moving.
“For developers, a Phase 1 Desk Study is often the critical first step to securing planning approval. My team focuses on delivering these rapidly and accurately, identifying potential ground risks early so you can proceed with your acquisition or design with total confidence."
- Matthew Robson, Northpoint Director
When to Carry Out a Phase 1 Desk Study
Before submitting a planning application or pre-application enquiry
During land or property acquisition to support technical and commercial due diligence
When required by funders, lenders or insurers
At feasibility and early design stages to understand geotechnical and land-contamination constraints
To scope a proportionate and targeted Ground Investigation
Why Choose Northpoint for Your Desk Study?
Specialist geotechnical & geoenvironmental focus – studies overseen by experienced engineers, ensuring technical rigour from the desk study to the walkover.
Planning-ready, standards-aligned – Geoenvironmental reporting follows EA LCRM and BS 10175; Geotechnical reporting complies with BS 5930 and Eurocode 7.
Nationwide coverage with local insight – we combine national datasets with regional knowledge and regulator liaison.
Clear, actionable reporting – concise CSM/ground model, risk register, planning implications and next steps.
Proportionate and cost-effective – we only recommend Phase 2 where credible linkages exist; transparent, fixed-scope pricing.
Fast turnaround & direct access – agreed timelines and a single point of contact from instruction to delivery.
End-to-end support – from data procurement and walkover to scoping Phase 2 and advising foundations/remediation.
Proven track record – successful delivery across complex brownfield, infrastructure and residential projects.
Next Steps
Our Phase 1 Desk Studies provide clear insight into geotechnical and land-contamination risks, helping you move confidently through planning and early design.
If further investigation is required, we can scope and deliver proportionate, targeted Phase 2 Ground Investigations and support remediation strategies.
📞 Call our team today on 0191 917 2310
📧 Email: info@northpointgeotechnical.com
Or complete our online enquiry form and one of our consultants will be in touch.
FAQs – Phase 1 Desk Study
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A Phase 1 Desk Study - also called a Preliminary Risk Assessment - is a non-intrusive review of a site to identify potential geotechnical and land contamination risk. It is commonly required for planning, due diligence and lender approval.
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A Phase 1 Desk Study includes a review of historical land use, geology, environmental and planning data, utilities information, and a site walkover, leading to a preliminary geotechnical and land-contamination risk assessment.
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A concise, planning-compliant Desk Study Report with a ground model, Conceptual Site Model (CSM), risk assessment and clear recommendations - including whether a Phase 2 investigation is required.
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Typically, two weeks from instruction. We’ll need a red-line boundary, the proposed development or use, any previous reports you may have, and a site contact for arranging access.
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When the Preliminary Risk Assessment identifies credible contamination linkages or unresolved geotechnical risks, we will set out a proportionate, targeted Phase 2 Ground Investigation.
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Yes - our reports are suitable for planner, funder, and lender submissions across the UK. Desk Study Reports follow BS 10175 and comply with EA LCRM in England and Wales, and PAN 33 and SEPA guidance in Scotland. Geotechnical assessments are prepared in accordance with BS 5930 and Eurocode 7.
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Yes - a Phase 1 Desk Study assesses both geotechnical and land-contamination risks. We review ground and groundwater conditions, ground stability, and mining legacy that may affect your development, and provide preliminary geotechnical considerations - including likely foundation constraints - to inform early design and feasibility.
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Costs vary depending on the size and complexity of the site, but we provide a fixed, upfront fee once we have your site boundary and proposed development.
Need a Reliable Desk Study for Your Site?
Our Phase 1 Desk Studies identify potential geotechnical and land contamination risks early, supporting planning applications and helping avoid unexpected issues later in the project. Get clear, actionable reporting from experienced geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineers.
0191 917 2310 | info@northpointgeotechnical.com