Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
Introduction
When assessing a planning application, we consider the impact on the environment through a process called Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
The aim of an EIA is to protect the environment by ensuring that when deciding whether to grant planning permission (which is likely to have significant effects on the environment), the Council does so in the full knowledge of the likely significant effects, and takes these into account in the decision-making process.
Screening opinion requests
A screening opinion request may be made if a developer wishes to apply to the Borough Council to determine whether an Environmental Impact Assessment is required, prior to the submission of a planning application. Regulation 6 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 sets out in detail what screening opinion requests are expected to include when they are submitted to the Council. In general, requests are expected to include the following:
- a plan sufficient to identify the land
- a description of the development (including location in regard to environmental sensitivity, physical characteristics, demolition works, and other relevant factors as set out in regulation)
- a description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the development
- a description of the likely significant effects on the environment of the proposed development (examples of which are set out in Regulation 6 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017)
- any other relevant information, including development features and measures to avoid or prevent significant adverse affects on the environment
The Borough Council is required to adopt a screening opinion within three weeks following receipt of the request, unless a longer period is agreed in writing with the person making the request.
For more information on screening opinion requests, please email the Strategic Planning Team and see the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017.
Scoping opinion requests
Where a proposed scheme is determined to be 'EIA development', developers may write to the Borough Council requesting an opinion on what information should be included within an environmental statement. Regulation 15 the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 sets out what scoping opinion requests are expected to include. In general, scoping opinion requests in relation to an application for planning permission are expected to include the following:
- a plan sufficient to identify the land
- a brief description of the nature and purpose of the development, including its location and technical capacity
- an explanation of the likely significant effects of the development on the environment
- any other relevant information or representations
The Borough Council is required to consult upon the scoping opinion with the relevant consultation bodies before it can be adopted. The Borough Council must adopt the scoping opinion within five weeks following receipt of the request, unless a longer period is agreed in writing with the person making the request.
For more information on scoping opinion requests, please email the Strategic Planning Team and see the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017.
How can I view the screening and scoping opinions issued by the Council?
The following table shows screening and scoping opinions that have been issued by the Borough Council since September 2018.
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