Parts of the land around the Lowfield Street development site in Dartford have been found to be contaminated with potentially harmful chemicals.

Soil tested from the site found levels of arsenic, lead and hydrocarbons in the ground towards the northern end of the site.

According to the report after the tests, "a risk to the health of future residents could occur from inadvertent ingestion of soul, inhalation of soil-derived dusts, consumption of homegrown produce grown in affected soils and dermal contact with soil."

Asbestos was also found in the form of chrysotile cement at one location - however, the risk of this to construction workers is considered to be minimal as no visible asbestos fragments were found as the report states that "based on the known levels of asbestos contamination, a risk of asbestos fibre levels in the air reaching statutory control is considered to be unlikely."

A "low and localised" risk from the consumption of drinking water was also recorded which could occur if hydrocarbons were to permeate through the water supply pipes.

Investigators recommended the contaminated soils, along with any existing pipework, in the designated areas should be safely removed before construction begins.

Construction workers should also be provided with "clean, cover areas" while on-site in case further fragments of asbestos are found as works are carried out.

Artist's impression of the Lowfield Street development

Bellway Homes, which is in charge of the Lowfield Street redevelopment, submitted the assessment as required by Dartford Council before development can begin.

A spokesman for the property developer explained to News Shopper that remedying existing issues on old building sites is quite common and is typically taken into account before a timeline is set.

He also said that once the recommended course of action has been completed, the site will be suitable for future residents to live on.

"Bellway Homes works with experienced contractors to ensure that there is no impact upon existing surroundings or future residential users when it carries out its remediation strategy.

"All these measures Bellway will be carrying out are standard requirements that all developers would need to take for the development of a brownfield site of this nature and it is not uncommon for town centre development sites to have these strategies in place.”

When asked whether the findings would delay construction, the Bellway spokesman said these kind of situations are expected and it has allowed for this in its projections.

"The remediation works were anticipated for the site and have been fully allowed for in Bellway’s build programme so that they will not delay timeline projections," he said.

Bellway Homes is looking to start the long-awaited construction works of 188 homes for the area in the new year. The redevelopments will also include a new commercial space, as well as a micro-distillery.