An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is designed to protect the environment by providing the local planning authorities with a detailed evaluation on whether or not a project that is likely to have a major impact on the surrounding environment.
At ProHort we have extensive experience of undertaking Environmental Impact Assessments across the UK. Therefore, if you need assistance with completing an EIA as part of your planning application, we can help you!
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a crucial process that evaluates the potential environmental effects of a proposed project before it is approved and constructed. It helps identify, assess, and mitigate the likely environmental impacts, ensuring that development activities do not cause significant harm to the natural surroundings and public health. EIAs are designed to promote sustainable development by incorporating environmental concerns into the planning process.
An EIA is always required for developments covered by Schedule 1 of the 2011 EIA Regulations. Schedule 1 contains a list of projects that have a high likelihood to cause significant environmental impacts due to their scale, nature, or location. These projects typically involve large-scale infrastructure or industrial schemes. Examples of these developments include airports, oil refineries, motorways, power stations and large-scale industrial complexes. Given the scale of these projects, they are almost always required to undergo a full Environmental Impact Assessment, which includes public consultation and thorough analysis of potential environmental impacts such as air and water pollution, biodiversity loss, and landscape disruption.
In addition to Schedule 1 projects, an EIA may also be necessary for developments that fall under Schedule 2 of the 2011 EIA Regulations. Unlike Schedule 1, where an EIA is automatically required, Schedule 2 projects are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Whether an EIA is needed depends on several factors, including the size of the development, the type of activity involved and the potential for significant environmental consequences. These factors are evaluated to determine whether the project is likely to have substantial effects on the environment. Schedule 2 encompasses a wide range of development types, including but not limited to:
For these Schedule 2 projects, the responsible authorities will assess the potential environmental impacts, considering factors such as location (whether the development is near sensitive areas like protected habitats, water bodies, or urban centers), scale (whether the project is large enough to have a significant effect), and the nature of the activity (whether it may generate pollutants, noise, or traffic). If the authorities determine that a project could have significant environmental consequences, they may require an EIA to be conducted, even if the development falls under Schedule 2. The decision is typically based on a screening process, and in some cases, a scoping process may be used to outline the scope and methodology of the EIA.
In both Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 cases, the EIA process ensures that potential environmental impacts are identified early, and appropriate measures are put in place to prevent, reduce, or offset any harmful effects. It also provides an opportunity for public involvement, ensuring that local communities and other stakeholders have a say in how projects are developed and their environmental implications. This contributes to informed decision-making that balances development needs with environmental protection.
Do you need an Environmental Impact Assessment? Contact ProHort Ltd today on 01782 479479. Our friendly office team would love to assist you in ensuring the success of your development project.
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Pricing
ProHort Ltd know how important it is to get value for your money, especially when coordinating a development project. Therefore, we provide our very best price for all of the services we provide, first time.
Prices for Environmental Impact Assessments can vary depending upon a range of factors, including the complexity of the project.
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