Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Larger developments or 'developments that attract significant environmental impact' such as motorways, refineries or airports, fall within Schedule 1 of the 2017 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations & always require an EIA.

Development listed in Schedule 2 of the 2017 EIA Regulations, that may require an EIA, are determined by factors such as their location, nature & size. For example; larger housing proposals, certain industrial development, golf course & a wide range of other types of development. 

To determine if a project requires an EIA, developers can ask for a formal 'screening opinion' from a council. A screening opinion sets out the council's decision and gives reasons for it, and is normally issued within three weeks of the request.