Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Planning-ready ecological evidence for Environmental Impact Assessments — defensible reasoning, proportionate methods and predictable outcomes that keep large-scale projects moving across the UK.
Do you need an EIA?
If your project meets EIA Regulations thresholds or your LPA has issued a screening opinion, you’ll need formal ecological input.
These assessments form part of the Environmental Statement and must withstand technical scrutiny from planners, consultees and statutory bodies.
Handled early, EIA ecology turns regulatory obligation into programme control.
Late scoping, by contrast, triggers multi-season survey cycles and costly resubmissions.
What is an EIA?
EIA assesses how development will affect ecological receptors, habitats, species and designated sites, through construction, operation and long-term management.
It forms one chapter of the Environmental Statement and connects directly with other technical disciplines such as drainage, noise and landscape.
Trigger points — signs your site needs an EIA
These indicators suggest your site might require more than a basic walkover and may attract LPA scrutiny:
- Schedule 1 or 2 EIA development thresholds exceeded
- proximity to SAC, SPA, SSSI or LWS/SINC designations
- large-scale habitat loss or complex receptor networks
- multi-phase or long-term construction activity
- interaction with drainage, lighting or landscape corridors
- potential effects on protected or notable species
- high public or consultee sensitivity
If any apply, scoping now secures survey capacity and prevents multi-year programme drift.
What We Deliver
We keep guidance clear and planning-ready — supporting predictable project delivery.
| Service | Purpose | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Ecological Scoping | Identify receptors, constraints and survey effort | Focused, proportionate EIA scope |
| Baseline Surveys | Map habitats and species risk | Solid data for significance testing |
| Receptor Evaluation | Determine ecological importance | Transparent impact reasoning |
| Impact Assessment | Assess construction, operational and cumulative effects | Defensible ecological conclusions |
| Mitigation Hierarchy | Avoid, reduce and compensate | Clear environmental control |
| Significance Assessment | Evaluate magnitude and likelihood | Evidence aligned to EIA regs |
| Monitoring & Management | Provide long-term ecological oversight | Predictable compliance |
| Full EIA Ecology Chapter | Structure findings for submission | Planning-ready ES evidence |
How it Works
Our process is designed to remove friction and keep decisions moving.
Screening & Scoping
We review your proposal, screening opinion and environmental sensitivities to define a proportionate ecology scope.
Baseline Surveys
Targeted habitat and species surveys using nationwide methods consistent with CIEEM and Natural England guidance.
Impact Assessment
Construction and operational effects evaluated with clear significance reasoning.
Reporting & Integration
We produce a concise, policy-linked ecology chapter ready for submission within the Environmental Statement.
Timing & Survey Windows
Early clarity keeps ecology off the critical path — late starts rarely recover lost time.
EIA Survey
Year-round
Follow-on Species Surveys
Seasonal
BNG Survey
Year-round
Why planning officers request PEAs
Under the EIA Regulations (2017 as amended), LPAs must consider ecological significance when determining major applications. Planners depend on structured, transparent evidence, compliant with legislation.
An EIA aligns with:
- The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (as amended)
- Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
- Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
- NERC Act 2006 (Section 41 priority species and habitats)
- National Planning Policy Framework (Section 15)
- Local plan ecology policies
ProHort delivers consistent, regulation-ready evidence nationwide — concise enough for planners, robust enough for inquiry.
Our Approach
We translate ecological complexity into planning certainty.
A planning-ready EIA ecology chapter includes:
- verified ecological baseline and mapping
- evaluation of key receptors and significance
- mitigation hierarchy and cumulative impact assessment
- proportionate monitoring and management proposals
- full integration with EIA methodology and BNG data
Our ecologists scope proportionately, survey precisely and report concisely — aligning every recommendation to EIA procedure and programme timelines.
How this supports your project
Robust EIA ecology keeps dialogue efficient, predictable and defensible.
A well-timed EIA delivers structured, transparent evidence that demonstrates:
- complete baseline data and receptor evaluation
- quantified impact significance and residual effects
- compliance with the mitigation hierarchy
- integration with the BNG metric and long-term management
Starting scoping in Q1 protects survey continuity through spring, summer and autumn windows.
Early scheduling also prevents BNG, drainage and landscape teams from competing for data dependencies.
Case Insight
Your Next Step
Get the ecological clarity that keeps your design on track.
Phone: 0800 494 7479
Email: [email protected]
PEA FAQ - Planning and Programme Clarity
Do all large projects need EIA ecology?
Only those meeting EIA thresholds or receiving a screening direction. We confirm scope quickly.
Can we avoid EIA ecology with strong baseline surveys?
Not if the development qualifies legally as EIA — the ecology chapter is mandatory.
How long do EIA surveys take?
Usually one full season for baseline work, but multi-receptor projects can extend into a second. Early scoping avoids rollover.
Can BNG be integrated?
Yes — baseline data feeds directly into DEFRA Metric 4.0 for measurable uplift.
What causes EIA delays most often?
Late ecological mobilisation and incomplete baseline data. Both are preventable with early scheduling.
Do we need cumulative impact assessment?
Usually for large, multi-phase or adjacent developments. We clarify this during scoping.
How fast can you start?
With a boundary, scheme description and screening information, mobilisation can begin immediately.
How fast can you deliver the report?
Usually within one week of fieldwork, faster where programmes demand it.
What information do you need to quote?
Site boundary, scheme details, screening/scoping opinion and target submission date.
