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Environmental Impact Statement
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The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure must be followed for certain types of development before they are granted consent. The UK procedures are set out in Environmental impact assessment: guide to procedures. An Environmental Statement (ES) is always required for Schedule 1 projects and may be required for Schedule 2 projects.
It may be helpful for a developer to request a 'screening opinion' (i.e. to determine if whether on ES is required) from the Planning Service before submitting an application. Screening opinions will be placed on the 'Public Register'.
If required, the developer has to compile an ES describing the likely significant effects of the development on the environment and proposed mitigation measures. The ES must be circulated to statutory consultation bodies and made available to the public for comment.
The procedure is a means of drawing together, in a systematic way, an assessment of a project's likely significant environmental effects. This helps to ensure that the importance of the predicted effects, and the scope for reducing them, are properly understood by the public and the Council before it makes its decision.
It enables environmental factors to be given due weight, along with economic or social factors. It helps to promote a sustainable pattern of physical development and land and property use.
From the developer's point of view, the preparation of an environmental statement in parallel with project design provides a useful framework within which environmental considerations and design development can interact. Environmental analysis may indicate ways in which the project can be modified to avoid possible adverse effects, for example through considering more environmentally friendly alternatives. The national guidance includes a checklist of matters to be considered for inclusion in an ES, but it is also essential to agree the scope of the ES with the Planning case officer. Taking these steps is likely to make the formal planning approval stages run more smoothly.
Where an ES is required, it may override any requirement for related supporting submissions, outlined below.
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