Environmental Impact Assessments for Construction Projects

Lorry with large metal container to back driving alongside ridged concrete with metal railings

What is an Environmental Assessment (EIA)?

An Environmental Assessment looks at implications on the environment before development projects can go ahead. EIAs are essential for town and country planning outlined in the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (the ‘2017 Regulations’).

Our team completes these environmental assessments to ensure that projects follow legal compliance across the UK. The team focuses on reducing environmental impacts to future-proof construction projects.

The Environmental Assessment Process

We provide pre-planning advice, feasibility studies, and screening assessments that enable clients to make financially informed decisions regarding site development.

We follow each step closely including, screening, scoping, and preparing the statement. Our teams also support planning applications and provide consultation at this point. We can also still be involved when decisions are being made regarding particular projects.

What processes are included in our Environmental Impact Assessments?

Our services include detailed environmental monitoring, modelling, and management, as well as delivery of technical reports in accordance with UK guidance and industry standards. We provide expert witness testimony and aid in the discharge of conditions, supporting the construction process in the post-planning stage.

What projects need an environmental impact assessment?

All schedule 1 requires an EIA as they are large-scale projects like; crude oil refineries, nuclear generating stations and other nuclear reactors, and larger-scale quarries and open-cast mines.

Schedule 2 projects only need an EIA if there is going to be significant environmental effects. Our expert teams can analyse projects and determine the scale of environmental impact.

What is the purpose of Environmental Impact Assessment?

The purpose of an EIA is to protect the environment and support local wildlife before permission is granted for projects. An EIA combines expert consultants with local planning authorities to ensure any proposed developments have mitigated or limited effects on the environment.

It also opens the planning part of development up to the public. Members of the public can get involved in decision-making if a development is going to significantly impact them.

You can read further about environmental impact assessments here on Gov.com.