Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)

It falls to local planning authorities (lpas) in the first instance to decide whether EIA is required. But, the Assembly Government has a statutory duty to decide on the need for EIA: in default of the lpa reaching a decision; when the applicant disagrees with the lpa’s opinion that EIA is required; and when the lpa asks for a direction for its own development. The Assembly can also intervene at any stage before planning consent is granted, if it becomes apparent that EIA is required.

The Assembly Government has a statutory duty to decide on the content of the environmental statement (ES) when the applicant asks, in default of the lpa doing so.

The Assembly Government receives copies of all ESs submitted to lpas. Upon receipt, the Assembly considers whether the proposed development would be likely to have significant effects on another EC Member State or any other country that has ratified the Espoo Convention and, if so, invites the affected country to participate in the consultation procedures.

When the application is before the Assembly for determination, Planning Division, with the help of the Assembly Governments other technical advisors, ensures that the ES complies with the requirements of the EIA Regulations and, if not, seeks further information