Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)

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.