Government yesterday published their response to last summer's 'technical consultation' on increasing screening thresholds for environmental impact assessment (EIA). They aim to reduce unnecessary screenings when projects are unlikely to give rise to significant effects.

Key changes include raising certain screening thresholds, all of which were previously 0.5 hectares, to:

  • Development of dwelling houses which does not exceed 5 hectares or does not include more than 150 units. This also includes allowances for up to 1 hectare of non-residential urban development.
  • 'Other' urban development - 1 hectare.
  • Industrial estate development from - 5 hectares.

Projected benefits include the preparation and decision of applications more quickly, reducing the workload of developers, local planning authorities, and consultation bodies. Higher thresholds should lend local planning authorities confidence in determining that EIA is not required, and reduce concerns over legal challenge.

Projects below the threshold likely to lead to significant effects should not escape EIA; requirements remain under the EU Directive to consider the 'bigger picture' in terms of development's location, size and impacts.

Government have pressed ahead with their original proposals, however the introduction of the 150 dwelling unit threshold recognises concerns over potential impacts of high density housing and residential urban towers.

Victoria Lownes, Head of EIA at Deloitte Real Estate, comments:

"The changes fit with the Government's aim to simplify and streamline planning, and introduce a proportionate approach. Time and cost burdens associated with screening smaller developments should reduce; though in the short term we may see increases in legal challenges and third party referrals to the Secretary of State.

Over the longer term we expect to see an overall reduction in EIAs, and the stimulation of brownfield development – particularly for housing." 

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