19. Environmental Statement (EIA)
What is it?
The Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 (“the Regulations”) specifies the circumstances in which a proposal is “EIA" development and requires an Environmental Statement to be submitted alongside the planning application.
An Environmental Statement sets out the likely significant effects of the proposal – whether positive or negative – and can relate to environmental, social or economic impacts.
When is it required?
An Environmental Statement should be submitted where:
- the development proposal falls under Schedule 1 of the Regulations; or
- the development proposal falls under Schedule 2 of the Regulations and the Council has given a screening opinion that the proposal is “EIA” development and that an Environmental Statement is required; or
- the applicant intends to submit an Environmental Statement alongside the planning application.
What should be included?
Applicants should seek a “Scoping Opinion” from the Council as to the recommended content of the Environmental Statement before it is prepared.
Guidance
If the development proposal falls under Schedule 2 of the Regulations, the applicant is strongly advised to submit a formal request to the City Council for a “screening opinion” as to whether the proposal is EIA prior to submitting the application.
Where an Environmental Statement is deemed to be required, the applicant is advised to seek a scoping opinion from the Council on its content.
