In May this year, the EU voted to change the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive. Although the requirements have been strengthened at EU level, the EU member states have until May 2017 to transpose it to their national law.
The UK Government has indicated it will incorporate the Directive into national legislation in 2016. The majority of revisions will simply embed current best practice and will be less radical than for most EU countries.
A summary of the proposed Directive changes and their implications are listed below:
Summary
It appears the balance may have swung against developers because of the longer time taken to prepare and consult at the screening and scoping stages and when considering the costs associated with longer project timescales, monitoring and non-compliance. However, EIAs being both prepared and assessed by 'competent experts' should drive up standards in the long term. Those already working within best practice parameters should experience minimal change.
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