Environmental Impact Assessment

What is it?

An environmental assessment (EA), or environmental statement as it is sometimes known, is the process by which information about the environmental effects of a development is collected and taken into account by the local planning authority in making its planning decisions. An environmental statement is prepared by the developer to evaluate the likely impacts of a project upon human beings, flora, fauna, soil, water, air, climate, landscape or the interaction between any of the foregoing.

Which projects require an EA?

For all projects listed in Schedule 1, or the modification of an existing Schedule 1 project, an environmental assessment is mandatory. Since 1994 wind farms require a mandatory environmental impact assessment.

Projects listed in Schedule 2 require an EA if their environmental effects are considered ‘significant’ by the local planning authority. Criteria for significance include sensitive location, resource consumption, waste generation, of more than local importance, potentially adverse effects. Schedule 2 projects include surface storage of fossil fuels, local authority roads, water pipelines, waste management facilities, sewage sludge lagoons, incineration of non-hazardous waste.

Schedule 3 specifies which information must be included in the environmental statement which accompanies the planning application. A non-technical summary must always be included.

Who are the statutory consultees?

Procedures set out in the Regulations ensure that statutory consultees, such as the Environment Agency or English Nature have the opportunity to consider the environmental statement and to make representations to the planning authority. The environmental statement must also be made available for inspection and purchase by the public.

Where environmental assessment is required for local road schemes representations from consultees and the public must be taken into account before planning permission is granted.

Are there any plans to tighten the Regulations?

The Regulations implement European Directive 85/337 which is currently being amended to include a more precise requirement for consultation with the public and relevant amenity groups. The UK must implement the amended Directive by the end of 1997.

Proposed additions to Schedule 1 (Annex I in the Directive) projects include road widening and overhead power lines. Proposed additions to Schedule 2 (Annex II) projects include camping & caravan sites, leisure centres and urban development projects e.g. shopping centres, car parks.

There will be a new Annex IIa: a formal ‘screening’ procedure which will require the planning authority to make public a reasoned justification for their decision on whether an assessment is required or not.

 

 

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