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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Is an Environmental Impact Assessment needed?

The need to undertake environmental assessments is governed by European
and UK legislation. This gives guidance in determining whether or not an assessment is necessary.

 

Where any planning application is received, Local Planning Authorities are required to check whether an Environmental Impact Assessment should be undertaken and, where appropriate, to issue a written opinion.

 

An Environmental Statement will need to be submitted with a planning application for two types of development:

• Schedule 1 development for which it is compulsory.
• Schedule 2 development for which particular developments must be assessed if they are considered likely to give rise to significant environmental effects.

Environmental Impact Assessments will be needed for Schedule 2 developments in three main types of case:

• Major developments which are of more than local importance;
• Other developments which are proposed for particularly sensitive or vulnerable locations;
• Developments with unusually complex and potentially adverse environmental effects.

Local planning Authorities deal with:

• Requests for advice from applicants on the need for Environmental Impact Assessments and guidance on permitted development.
• Screening of draft proposals and planning applications to see if an Environmental Statement is needed.