A new report by a joint task force led by Lancaster Environment Centre has been chosen as a case study by the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA).

The Soils in Planning and Construction Task Force’s report on sustainably managing soil features in a new TCPA guide for local authorities on planning for climate change.

Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC), based at Lancaster University, Lancaster City Council, Cornwall Council, architects JTP and Farrer Huxley, and The Landscape Institute collaborated to release the report, which highlights the importance of sustainably managing soil.

The sustainable management of soil plays a major role in our environment by supporting green infrastructure, flood mitigation and carbon sequestration.

Professor John Quinton, from Lancaster Environment Centre, said the report will be essential reading for planners, the construction industry and for regional and national government policymakers.

UK policy and guidance on soil management is outlined in the report - both on national and local levels - and the barriers to improving soil sustainability are also identified.

These are broken down into three key issues - soil is not understood or valued, there is a lack of data, and time/space constraints.

The report then outlines measures to help overcome these barriers.

It recommends that local planning authorities create a specific soil policy in new local development plan documents that explains the importance of soil functions and ensures soil is protected during construction.

It also recommends the use of standard planning conditions for soil protection.

This would include the requirement of a soil survey and soil management plan along with a method statement prior to works starting.

It would require evidence of good practice for soil management, showcased in both the construction and monitoring phases of the project.

Professor Quinton is a member of LEC’s Sustainable Soils Research Group and has spent the last 30 years working on understanding and predicting soil erosion processes, and how soils can be managed to mitigate flooding and the pollution of surface waters.

He said: “Our report highlights the value of soils for carbon and water storage and the threats to soils posed by construction.

“We also offer guiding principles for planners, the construction industry, and policymakers.

“Shining a light on soil, which is often the most overlooked element of the environment is critically important so that they are protected for future generations.

“We are delighted that the Town and Country Planning Association has decided to highlight our report in their latest set of case studies.

“We believe the report is essential reading for planners, the construction industry and for regional and national government policymakers.”

The Soils in Planning and Construction Task Force meets regularly and welcomes new members.

You can read the report HERE.