Divestment of Local Authority Land
Working closely with local authority environmental health, property and estates departments (plus their associated legal teams and land agents) ESI has helped in the divestment of numerous local authority land holdings across the UK.
Some examples of how we have assisted in local authority divestments are as follows:
Identifying land quality constraints
ESI has systematically assessed all land holdings owned by a Local Authority client in order to evaluate the potential land quality risks. Site inspections and desk based studies have led to detailed site-specific recommendations regarding possible 'next steps', plus the ranking of all sites in terms of the anticipated scale of contamination issues. Elsewhere, we are making use of existing Part IIA prioritisation tools to help identify Council owned sites with possible brownfield legacy issues.
Assessing land quality risks
We have recently assisted in the rapid investigation of four Council owned sites to assist in the sale process. Working with the Council's land agent ESI delivered a cost effective programme of works, delivered within four weeks of instruction. Our swift, unambiguous reporting, proactive management & clear communications with all invested parties certainly helped to speed up each land sale.
Negotiating land values
ESI recently advised a Local Authority on land quality issues relating to a large brownfield site divestment. With the land value being contested we helped to argue for more appropriate remediation requirements & an associated increase in the sale price. Through detailed review and careful argument we helped the Council to recoup over £500,000 on the land sale.
Testimonials
Our successful approach to assisting local authority clients is founded on the development of strong professional relationships and high levels of client care.
Recent testimonials from local authority clients include:
“I have dealt with ESI for many years both as a Regulator reviewing their reports and as a Client. I would like to applaud the professionalism and respect of ESI staff. The Council continues to work with ESI and would not hesitate to recommend their services to others”
“I have always found ESI Ltd, to be extremely professional, competent, polite and helpful. Projects are completed on time and within budget. It is without hesitation that I can strongly recommend ESI Ltd”
“Our experience of ESI is one of professionalism, care and diligence. Works were carried out on time and on budget to our satisfaction”
“I found the service we received from ESI Ltd was faultless, and would have no hesitation in recommending your company to any other Local Authority”
