Environmental Issues & Energy Efficiency FAQ's

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Last revised: 9 October 2008

Question

What is the air quality like in Kennet ?

Answer

The most recent report into the local air quality, the 2007 Air Quality Report (pdf, 141 KB) into the Local Air Quality indicated that the air quality is very good and that traffic levels have little impact upon the general quality of the air.  

View our current results for air quality in Kennet

Question

What is Contaminated Land ?

Answer

Strictly speaking, the term Contaminated Land is a legal term for land that has the potential to harm human health or the environment.  

There are a number of sites within the district which, although not in pristine condition, do not meet the exacting standards for Contaminated Land.  

There are currently no sites on the formal register of Contaminated Land but please contact the Environmental Protection Officer on 01380 724911 for further information.

Visit our Contaminated Land page

Question

I’m buying / selling a house and the environmental search has indicated contaminated land in the vicinity. What does this mean ?

Answer

This could mean anything but as there are currently no formally designated Contaminated Land sites in the Kennet district it is unlikely to have a significant impact upon the sale of the property. Many of the environmental searches offered will routinely highlight any old industrial or indeed MOD occupied land as potentially contaminated when they will actually cause no problem.

Please contact the Environmental Protection Officer on 01380 724911 and your search can be discussed.  

Please note that we will charge £90 if a full Contaminated Land search is requested.

Visit our Contaminated Land page

Question

How can I make my home more energy efficient ? Are there any energy efficiency grants available to me ?

Answer

You should contact our partner agency

Wiltshire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre

on freephone 0800 512 012

Alternatively, you can fill out an online home energy survey

Visit our Energy Efficiency pages

Question

What is radon ? If I'm concerned about levels of radon at my property, what can I do ?

Answer

Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas which is naturally formed by minute amounts of uranium present in certian types of rocks and soils. Its presence is rare in the Kennet district, Radon being more of a problem in areas associated with volcanic rocks such as granite, in Cornwall and parts of Devon.

Our Environmental Protection Officer is able to advise on the risk from Radon to existing properties in the Kennet district, based upon information supplied by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), the government agency for provision of advice concerning Radon.

For enquiries relating to the building of new houses or extension of properties, please contact our Building Control Section.

Useful contacts

Kennet District Council Environmental Protection Officer (existing properties) :

Tel :(01380) 724911 or email kennet@kennet.gov.uk

Kennet District Council Building Control (new builds / extensions)

Tel : (01380) 724911 or email kennet@kennet.gov.uk

Useful websites

More detailed information on Radon is available from the HPA's Radiation Protection Division

Website: www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/ (External link)