Environmental Statements
The Changing Climate
In recent years both objective research and the changing climate of opinion have combined to bring a number of environmental concerns into play for those seeking planning permission for new developments. Nowadays all developers, both in the public and private sectors, face increasing regulatory and market pressure regarding the environmental impact of a proposed scheme to demonstrate that they are operating in an environmentally sound way.
Mayer Brown has the experience and the capability to solve these environmental issues by helping clients quantify their existing or potential air, noise, flood and drainage impacts, and by advising on compliance with environmental legislation.
Flood Risk
The severe flooding in recent years alongside calls for greater sustainability in planning have resulted in changing Government policy on hydrology and drainage. PPS25 advises that proposals for any development within a floodplain must be accompanied by a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA). Mayer Brown is experienced in producing properly researched FRAs to help secure planning permission. Through site visits, local flood history research and liaison with the Environment Agency, our FRA may demonstrate by flood modelling, or other methods, that the floodplain is no longer functional, or advises on how development can avoid impacting on the floodplain and be more resistant to potential flooding.
Noise Pollution
The World Health Organisation’s guidance on noise is now incorporated into PPG24 and means that proposed new developments must not result in unacceptable operational or construction noise impact. Mayer Brown’s expert team is able to predict and quantify the potential noise impact of any proposed developments. We produce Noise Impact Assessments to support planning applications. We also design noise barriers and road layouts to minimise noise impacts, and in addition we produce schemes for quiet operational and construction working conditions, thereby protecting local populations from unacceptable noise levels.
“Mayer Brown’s expertise in the area of noise research proved to be invaluable in enabling us to obtain planning permission”
Mark Jackson BSc MA MRTPI (Principal Planner), Bryan Jezeph Consultancy
Sustainable Drainage
Increasingly attenuation is a condition of planning. Infiltration drainage is promoted ahead of conventional piped drainage and the Environment Agency favours sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) – an alternative approach to surface water run-off. Mayer Brown assesses the site constraints such as topography, geology and aquifer sensitivity. We then advise on the most appropriate systems for a development and produce designs for construction. In addition to SUDS, we provide advice and designs for traditional piped foul and surface water drainage systems, as well as storage tank attenuation.
Air Quality
EC directives, PPS23 guidance and the Environment Act now require assessment of air quality impacts prior to achieving planning permission for new developments. Mayer Brown has the experience and expertise to undertake these detailed assessments. Using highly trained personnel, supported by state of the art modelling software, we evaluate the significance of potential impacts and recommend appropriate mitigation. Our pro-active methodology means that we can advise clients of potential problems early in the planning process and provide essential advice on compliance with environmental legislation.