A creeping strategy involves a methodical and incremental approach to achieving long-term objectives without attracting significant opposition or attention.
This strategy can be employed to circumvent regulatory constraints or oversight, such as avoiding the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in the context of village urbanisation.
The project undertaken by the William Lacey Group in Medstead appears to align with a creeping strategy. The development on the land at Friars Oak Farm, Boyneswood Road, was preceded by an EIA screening request for 86 dwellings.
Representatives of the William Lacey Group did not seek a screening opinion; instead, they requested confirmation that they were not required to conduct an EIA. The purpose of a screening opinion is NOT to tailor information and argue AGAINST the need for an EIA.
“…the Council can and should conclude that formal Environmental Assessment is not required by the Regulations in the context of this proposed development. The Council is accordingly invited to confirm this … “[src]
In my opinion, they tailored the information about the proposed project, as it failed to disclose that it was, in fact, only a stepping stone, a sub-component of a much larger development.
They didn’t even bother to conceal their indecent proposal intention. They prepared a road between two of the housing units to extend toward the water tower, continuing with phase two of development right up to the very edge of the ancient woodlands.
- 86 dwellings – Land at Friars Oak Farm, Boyneswood Road, Medstead, Alton [M-10032898889]
- 9 additional dwellings – Land to the rear of 2-4 Willowfield, Watercress Way [M-10090971755]
- 58 additional dwellings – Land to the rear of Brackenbury Gardens and, Boyneswood Close [M-10094122734]
Circumventing regulatory constraints or oversight, such as avoiding the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), can be illegal if done intentionally to bypass legal requirements and environmental protection measures.
By gradually expanding development in smaller increments over time, businesses or developers may seek to evade regulatory thresholds that would necessitate more extensive assessments or approvals, such as EIAs. This incremental approach allows them to operate discreetly or minimize scrutiny while still accomplishing their long-term objectives.
Unidentified impacts, uncontrolled pollution, unplanned growth, service overload, displacement and disruption, cultural impact, missed opportunities for mitigation, and non-compliance could or should potentially result in legal repercussions for developers and local authorities.
Local authorities are generally legally responsible for ensuring that all new developments are built in line with sustainable development rules. It is crucial to urgently:
- Conduct Post-Development Assessments.
- Strengthen Regulations.
- Subject the part of the East Hampshire Local Development Plan concerning the Four Marks & Medstead ward to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Addressing these oversights and implementing corrective actions is crucial for maintaining the village’s long-term health and resilience.
By gradually expanding development in smaller increments over time, businesses or developers may seek to evade regulatory thresholds that would necessitate more extensive assessments or approvals, such as EIAs.
While individual housing developments may have relatively small environmental impacts on their own, their collective impact when combined with other developments in the area is often significant. An EIA should assess the cumulative effects of multiple developments to understand their overall impact on the environment.
#cumulative-effects #infrastructure-and-services #environmental-resources #social-and-economic-impacts
The purpose of a screening opinion is NOT to tailor information and argue AGAINST the need for an EIA.
Such abusive conduct is contrary to the principles of sustainable development. It raises serious concerns about environmental impacts and demands public opposition.
It is an initial assessment phase that helps regulatory authorities decide if the potential environmental impacts of a project are significant enough to warrant a comprehensive EIA.