The number of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Environmental Statements (ESs) independently reviewed by LUC on behalf of local authorities has recently topped 150. This work, which we have undertaken for the London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Lewisham, Redbridge, Hackney, Braintree District Council, and Westminster City Council among others, seeks to ensure that ESs received by the local authorities contain sufficient information to allow informed decisions to be made on planning applications.

In partnership with a network of specialist advisors (including Ricardo and Delva Patman Redler LLP) LUC undertakes the ES reviews using the IEMA EIA Quality Mark ES review criteria as a benchmark to identify whether an ES provides sufficient information on the likely significant environmental effects of a proposed development. The review identifies any potential requirement for the provision of any further information under Regulation 22 of the Town and Country Planning (EIA) Regulations 2011 and for any other clarifications.

As an original member of the IEMA EIA Quality Mark since its inception in 2011, and having previously been an IEMA EIA ‘Registered Assessor’, LUC is very well placed to provide this independent review and technical advice on what information is required to facilitate a decision. Related to the ES review work, LUC also regularly provides specialist pre-application advice to local authorities, assisting with Screening Opinions, reviewing EIA Scoping Reports and helping to prepare EIA Scoping Opinions, liaising with both local authorities and with applicants.

The ES review service provided by LUC has proven to be particularly valuable to local authorities that receive numerous EIA applications, allowing planners to concentrate on other aspects of planning applications to help expedite the decision making process.

Harriet Peacock, EIA Officer at London Borough of Tower Hamlets has said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team for all their hard work… we appreciate the dedication, flexibility and helpfulness shown by everyone.”

If you would like to find out more about our ES review service please contact Jon Grantham or Joanna Wright.