Environmental Impact Assessment

Environmental impact assessment can range from a basic assessment of impacts to an extensive formal Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). A formal EIA is only required when a development meets the criteria set out in regulations for Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 projects. In such circumstances, it is frequently useful to obtain a screening opinion from the relevant planning authority at a very early stage in the planning process. If the need for EIA is confirmed, it will be necessary to obtain a scoping opinion on the range of environmental impacts that need to be addressed. Scoping reports can be complex documents and need to cover a description of the development, a prediction of the extent of potential impacts and the methodologies to be used in assessing impacts.

An informal impact assessment is frequently required both for planning and environmental permit applications when the development does not meet the Schedule 1 or 2 criteria.

The Land and Development Practice is experienced at managing the impact assessment process and we are able to advise on the range of impacts that need to be assessed for each development. We put together a team of experienced expert consultants, matched to the type of development, the type of assessment required and the locality. We believe in selecting independent consultants who can deliver their expertise in a cost effective manner, and who are able to give evidence at planning inquiries if called upon to do so.

In recent cases, we have used expert ecologists based in Essex, Doncaster and Dumfries, as well as others in Cornwall and the West Midlands. We also use a range of air quality, noise, landscape, archaeological and geotechnical consultants from different locations depending on where the development will be.

EIA can be a complex process, especially where large projects are assessed. At The Land and Development Practice we have managed both large and small EIA, including underground gas storage and pipeline developments on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, near Bridlington in the East Riding and at Saltfeetby in Lincolnshire