Scoping study for environmental impact assessment
A scoping study (sometimes called a scoping opinion) is the process of determining the content of an environmental impact assessment where an environmental impact assessment is required as part of a planning application.
Broadly, environmental impact assessments are required for development described in schedule 1 and schedule 2 of The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations. This includes projects such as:
- Power stations, refineries, certain industrial processes, certain transport projects, dams pipelines and airports.
- Major projects (above certain thresholds) described in the schedules of the regulations.
- Developments in sensitive or vulnerable locations (thresholds do not apply in sensitive locations such as national parks or national nature reserves where every project must be screened for environmental impact assessment).
- Unusually complex projects that may have adverse environmental effects.
See Environmental Impact Assessment for more information.
The local planning authority must provide a scoping opinion if requested by a developer. The scoping opinion should identify the content and extent of the information to be included in an environmental impact assessment. Scoping is not mandatory, but it is considered to be an important part of preparing an environmental impact assessment as it ensures that the assessment focuses on the key issues.
A request for a scoping study should include:
- A plan identifying the land.
- A description of the development.
- A description of the possible effects of the development on the environment.
- Other relevant information.
The local planning authority should adopt a scoping opinion within five weeks of receiving the request, or within five weeks of adopting a screening opinion if one was requested at the same time. If the local planning authority fails to adopt a scoping opinion, or if the applicant disagrees with the opinion, they may appeal to the Secretary of State who will then make a scoping direction.
NB In April 2015, the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessments)(Amendment) Regulations 2015 came into effect, raising the threshold above which a screening decision is required to determine whether an environmental statement is necessary, as set out in the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011. Controversially, this raised the threshold for industrial estates, residential developments and other urban developments from 0.5 hectares to five hectares (or 150 units for residential developments).
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
From next week, UK firms can bid for a share of a £12.5m fund to boost productivity, performance and quality.
A right to light generally refers to the right to receive sufficient light through an opening.
Interference and compatibility - the effects of electromagnetic fields in the workplace.
Important action is being taken to inspire young people to train as engineers.
A survey of Leicester’s historic buildings resulted in local listing being taken more seriously.
Demolition is the most high risk activity in the construction sector. Read our introductory article here.
BSRIA report on the domestic boiler market, with China recording the most 'dynamic market uptake'.
Social value of infrastructure
Do we really know everything important about the impacts of our infrastructure projects? And if we don’t, does it matter?
Former Chief executive Richard Howson blames government for being 'poor payers'.
An environmental plan is an essential tool for setting and managing environmental objectives for a project.