*Please note some sections maybe blank if no data is relevant
As part of our commitment to continually improve our service and to help our clients meet their legal obligations, we continue to update the Legal Registers on our website and provide free quarterly legal compliance updates to anyone who subscribes. The purpose of these updates is to ensure you stay up to date with any changes in your legal compliance obligations, our updates can also be kept and can be used as evidence that your business is staying up to date with any changes in the legislation, this can be very helpful at audit time.
The Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 aim to ensure the effective assessment and management of the environmental impacts of certain projects. The regulations were implemented in Northern Ireland to align with the European Union Directive on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
The purpose of these regulations is to promote sustainable development by considering and mitigating the potential environmental effects of projects before they are approved. The regulations require a systematic and transparent assessment process, enabling decision-makers to make informed choices based on the environmental implications of proposed developments.
The regulations apply to a wide range of projects, including infrastructure developments, industrial facilities, energy projects, and certain agricultural and waste management activities. The requirements are triggered when a project falls within specific categories listed in the regulations, such as projects exceeding certain size thresholds or those likely to have significant environmental effects.
The regulations mandate that developers or project proponents carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as part of the planning process. The EIA involves the identification, prediction, and evaluation of potential environmental effects, such as impacts on air, water, biodiversity, human health, and cultural heritage. The assessment also considers alternative options and potential mitigation measures.
Additionally, the regulations emphasize public participation, ensuring that affected individuals and organizations have the opportunity to provide input and express their concerns during the assessment process. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the project's potential impacts and helps inform the decision-making process.
Overall, The Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 play a crucial role in safeguarding the environment and promoting sustainable development by requiring the assessment and management of environmental impacts in various development projects.
The Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 set out specific evidence requirements that must be met during the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. These requirements ensure that the assessment is robust, comprehensive, and based on reliable data. Here is a summary of the evidence requirements under these regulations:
1. Scoping Report: The regulations require the preparation of a Scoping Report, which outlines the proposed scope and level of detail for the EIA. This report helps identify the key environmental issues and the appropriate assessment methods to be employed.
2. Environmental Statement: The Environmental Statement is a key document in the EIA process. It should provide a comprehensive analysis of the potential environmental effects of the proposed project. The regulations specify that the Environmental Statement must contain information on the project's description, the existing environment, the potential impacts, and proposed mitigation measures.
3. Baseline Data: The regulations require the collection and inclusion of baseline data in the Environmental Statement. Baseline data provides information about the existing environmental conditions in the project area before any development activities take place. This data helps establish a reference point for assessing the project's potential impacts.
4. Impact Assessment: The regulations stipulate that the Environmental Statement should include a thorough assessment of the project's potential environmental impacts. This assessment should consider various factors, such as air quality, water resources, biodiversity, landscape, cultural heritage, and human health. The impact assessment should identify and evaluate the likely effects of the project on these environmental aspects.
5. Mitigation Measures: The regulations require the identification and description of proposed mitigation measures in the Environmental Statement. Mitigation measures aim to avoid, minimize, or compensate for any adverse environmental effects. The statement should provide details on the effectiveness and feasibility of these measures.
6. Alternatives Assessment: The regulations emphasize the consideration of reasonable alternatives to the proposed project. The Environmental Statement should include an assessment of alternative options, comparing their environmental effects, feasibility, and potential benefits.
7. Consultation and Public Participation: The regulations require that the EIA process includes consultation and participation of the public, relevant authorities, and stakeholders. The evidence requirements include documenting the consultation process, including responses received and how they were taken into account.
These evidence requirements ensure that the EIA process under The Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 is based on comprehensive data, analysis, and stakeholder involvement. By adhering to these requirements, decision-makers can make informed choices and ensure that environmental considerations are adequately addressed in the planning and development of projects.
The Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 include certain exemptions that relieve certain projects from the requirement to undergo a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). These exemptions are intended to streamline the process and focus resources on projects with the most significant potential environmental impacts. Here are some common exemptions under these regulations:
1. Schedule 2 Exemptions: The regulations provide a list of project types in Schedule 2 that are considered exempt from the EIA requirement. These include specific categories such as urban development projects, minor changes to existing developments, maintenance and repair activities, certain types of agriculture and forestry projects, and small-scale energy projects below certain thresholds.
2. Schedule 3 Screening: Schedule 3 of the regulations outlines screening criteria for projects that are subject to a screening process to determine if they require an EIA. If a project meets the criteria for exclusion set out in Schedule 3, it may be exempt from the full EIA requirement.
3. Emergency Situations: The regulations acknowledge that in cases of urgent necessity, where there is an immediate threat to public health or safety, certain projects may be exempted from the EIA requirement. However, this exemption is subject to strict conditions and should only be used in exceptional circumstances.
4. National Defense and Security: Projects related to national defense and security may be exempt from the EIA requirement under certain conditions. This exemption aims to protect sensitive information and national security interests.
5. Regulations 4(2) Exemptions: The regulations provide discretionary powers for the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to exempt certain projects from the EIA requirement if they are deemed not to have significant environmental impacts.
It's important to note that while certain projects may be exempt from the full EIA requirement, they may still need to undergo other forms of environmental assessment or comply with specific regulations related to environmental protection. Developers should carefully review the regulations and consult with relevant authorities to determine if their project falls under an exemption or requires an alternative form of assessment.
*Please refer to the Terms and Conditions in our footer.
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by AvISO, and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is, therefore, strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage, including, without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website, you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of AvISO. We have no control over the nature, content, and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, AvISO takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
In addition, the legal texts identified on this website do not represent all the legislation published in relation to the relevant topic areas. AvISO Consultancy selects the legislation which it believes will apply to the organisations and industries with which it is engaged. In addition, there may be some instances where new legislation or amendments to current legislation are introduced, but there is a slight delay between the introduction of that legislation and the availability of it on this website. AvISO Consultancy does not take responsibility for the accuracy of any information provided and would recommend that you take appropriate legal advice in relation to any legislation which is relevant to your organisation, as appropriate. In addition, the content of our webpages does not replace each organisation’s duty to be aware of and comply with the legal requirements applicable to their operations.
Including our quarterly legal compliance updates that are a great resource for evidence for your ISO audits.
If you would like to know more about ISO Standards, Certification and the value of a good management system you can add to your business we would love to hear from you: Kent: 01892 800476 | London: 02037 458 476 | info@avisoconsultancy.co.uk