Contaminated land

[Anonymous]

I want to purchase a Cob cottage in Cornwall but have been told that, like most sites in Cornwall, the land is rich in arsenic, thus "possibly" making it contaminated. However, most of Kerrier will also be contaminated with mineral deposits far higher than the recommended levels. My question is this: what ramifications are there if I go ahead with the purchase? I know that the council might demand the site be cleaned (unlikely) but what about the possibility of raising a mortgage against the property in the future. I don't want to leave my children a pile of worthless rubble.

 

[Anonymous]

If I remember correctly, Kerrier DC covers the area including The Lizard, Land's End, and around Redruth, etc (I'm originally from St Mawes). So presumably the contamination comes from old lead mine workings?
If so, then surely you can't be alone in having higher than normal contamination - most of the area must be the same. And last time I was there I can't remember seeing vast tracts of abandoned, unsellable homes.
Can you ask around to see what other people's experience has been when it comes to property buying and selling in the area?
If you want to read up on the Environment Agency's policy on contaminated land, try the link below.


EA Contaminated Land