If there is anything of concern identified in the original due diligence search (such as an Initial Risk Review), the report will contain recommendations for further action. We treat every situation individually, selecting the most appropriate action to resolve matters effectively and at the lowest cost. Sometimes these will consist of actions for a vendor/occupier to carry out (such as warranting that there are no underground tanks on the property) and sometimes actions that Renaissance should complete (such as questioning the local authority). Either way, following the recommendations should be straight forward, but Renaissance are always happy to assist if you encounter any difficulties or are uncertain.
There are an almost infinite variety of Additional investigations that could be recommended by the search reports, as our consultants will recommend the most apposite measures for the situation. However, the most common Additional actions are described below.
Unlike other suppliers, Renaissance has conscientiously priced the Additional services so that there is no conflict of interest by recommending further action: we do not profit more from these Additional services than the original search reports.
Regulatory Enquiries
Regulatory enquiries may be recommended where there is a risk that the site will be official determined as Contaminated Land, where there may be outstanding planning issues or where the petroleum officer may have detailed knowledge of the site (especially for petrol stations). The replies will usually be enough to demonstrate that a low risk is associated with a property, or to highlight significant future risks. In the latter case, the report would include advice as to the best course of action and we would assist in implementing such advice.
Where a Risk Screen is highly likely to give a 'fail' status because of contaminative land use, we will often recommend undertaking a Regulatory Enquiry in the first instance (instead of the Risk Screen). This gives a significant cost saving as there is no need to pay for the initial assessment and the results are obtained more promptly.
The Regulatory Enquiry costs only £180 plus VAT and disbursements.
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Questionnaire/Interview
Where there is a suggestion that operations at the property may be causing pollution, we may seek clarification of current working practices from the occupiers. Where the risk profile suggests that a full Site Inspection is not the best way forward, we will gain the necessary information using a written questionnaire or telephone interview.
A Questionnaire or Interview would only be recommended where the replies should be sufficient to confirm the low risk nature of the property, or highlight significant risks. In the latter case, the report would include advice as to the best course of action and we would assist in implementing such advice.
The Interview or Questionnaire can often be completed very swiftly and is available from only £90 plus VAT.
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Site Inspection
Where there is a suggestion that operations at the property and surrounding area may be causing pollution, we may seek to clarify the potential for contamination at the property. A Site Inspection visit will be recommended where a Questionnaire or Interview in unlikely to be sufficiently effective or reliable.
The Site Inspection consists of an experienced consultant visiting the site to assess operational practices on and surrounding the site, check surface conditions, lift manholes to look for pollution or tanks (etc), interview site personnel and ascertain all relevant aspects of the area. The resultant report will describe all relevant issues identified, discuss their implications and give advice about the best course of action to address these issues. Renaissance would also assist in implementing any recommendations.
The Site Inspection is available from only £350 plus VAT and disbursements (usually only mileage allowance).
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Phase II Site Investigation
An intrusive, soil sampling investigation (Phase II) may be required for many reasons: planning conditions for development, transactional risk, known losses or operational license requirements. Whether recommended in the Renaissance due diligence reports or required for other reasons, we can ensure that the right information is gathered and the right assessment completed to achieve the desired results.
It is important that a Phase II investigation is properly designed and executed, as a poor investigation can not only be a failure but can also increase the problems at a site. An example of this is unintentionally enabling contamination from contained pockets to migrate off the site and cause harm. Renaissance staff have great experience in designing, supervising and interpreting Phase II investigations. We will therefore ensure that every investigation is sufficient for the situation without incurring unnecessary cost.
A Phase II report will usually conclude either that the site is suitable for the intended purpose (no further work is necessary), or that the conditions encountered require further justification or remediation (removal or reduction of contamination). We will assist you through the whole process, right up to the point that the regulators are satisfied and the property can be declared suitable for the intended use.
Renaissance has carried out Phase II investigations for a little as £700 (indicative residential investigation), but prices usually start from approximately £3,500. There is normally an appreciable amount of work required to give a binding quote for each property, so initially only indicative quotes will be given. A binding quote can be prepared once we have been given a firm indication that a Phase II is required.
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