Ecology Chapter for Environmental Statement
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) systematically evaluates the likely environmental effects of a proposed project so they can be considered and mitigated before approval. EIA is governed by the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017. These regulations apply to development which is given planning permission under Part III of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
A proposed development will be screened to determine whether it falls within the remit of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 and whether it is likely to have a significant effect on the environment and therefore requires an assessment.
Scoping will then be undertaken to determine the extent of issues to be considered under the EIA. The applicant can ask the local planning authority for its opinion on what information needs to be included (which is called a ‘scoping opinion’).
Where it is decided that an EIA is required, the applicant must prepare and submit an Environmental Statement (ES). The Environmental Statement sets out the assessment of the likely environmental effects of the proposed development.
Where ecological features could be affected by the proposed development, ecology will be scoped into the EIA and the ecological assessment will form a chapter within the ES.