The requirement for public consultation is enshrined in several pieces of legislation and guidance documents that ensure communities have the opportunity to participate in and influence planning decisions.
Key aspects of public consultation in the UK planning process include:
1. The Town and Country Planning Act 1990: This Act requires local planning authorities to publicise planning applications and allow the public to comment on them. Notices may be posted on-site, in local newspapers, and online.
2. The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004: This Act introduced the requirement for Statements of Community Involvement (SCI). Local planning authorities must prepare an SCI that outlines how they will engage and consult with the public and other stakeholders in the planning process.
3. The Localism Act 2011: This Act strengthened community involvement in planning. It introduced the concept of “neighbourhood planning,” where local communities can develop neighbourhood plans to guide future development in their area. It also requires developers to consult local communities before submitting certain types of planning applications.
4. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF): The NPPF emphasises the importance of public consultation and engagement in the planning process. It encourages local planning authorities to involve all sections of the community in plan-making and decision-making processes.
5. The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015: This order sets out the procedures for publicizing planning applications and specifies the types of applications that require consultation. It includes requirements for notifying neighbours, posting site notices, and publishing information online.
6. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations: For developments requiring an EIA, public consultation is a mandatory part of the process. The EIA regulations require the developer to publish the Environmental Statement and provide opportunities for the public to comment on it.
Key Requirements for Public Consultation:
Notification: Local planning authorities must notify affected parties, including neighbours, statutory consultees, and the general public. This is often done through site notices, letters, newspaper advertisements, and online postings.
Consultation Period: There is typically a statutory period during which the public can submit comments on a planning application. This period is usually 21 days.
Consideration of Comments: Planning authorities are required to take into account all valid public comments and representations before making a decision on a planning application.
Feedback: Authorities often provide feedback on how public comments have been considered and incorporated into the planning decision.
Practical Steps for Public Involvement:
Pre-Application Consultation: Developers are encouraged (and sometimes required) to engage with the community before submitting a planning application. This can include public meetings, exhibitions, and consultation events.
Public Meetings and Hearings: For significant developments, public meetings or hearings may be held to allow community members to express their views directly.
Online Platforms: Many local planning authorities provide online portals where planning applications can be viewed, and comments can be submitted.
Public consultation is crucial for ensuring that development proposals consider the needs, concerns, and aspirations of the local community. It helps to improve the transparency, accountability, and quality of the planning process.
Distributing new developments to areas such as the North of England, Wales, and Scotland, along with government programs to make these areas attractive for professionals working remotely, could be a potentially effective strategy to address housing shortages.
Here are some reasons why:
Regional Development: Encouraging development in regions outside of major urban centers can help to rebalance regional disparities in economic growth and infrastructure investment. It can also alleviate pressure on housing markets in overcrowded cities and promote more sustainable patterns of development.
Remote Work Opportunities: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend towards remote work, with many professionals now able to work from anywhere with an internet connection. By incentivizing professionals to relocate to less densely populated areas, governments can harness the benefits of remote work to stimulate economic activity and support local communities.
Quality of Life: Many people value factors such as affordable housing, access to nature, and a sense of community when considering where to live. By promoting development in regions with attractive natural landscapes, cultural amenities, and lower living costs, governments can enhance the quality of life for residents and attract new talent to these areas.
Employer Incentives for Remote Work: Providing incentives for employers to transition to remote work arrangements can further support the distribution of new developments to regional areas. By reducing the need for physical office space in city centers, employers can save on overhead costs while enabling their employees to enjoy the benefits of remote work in more desirable locations.
Infrastructure Investment: To support the successful implementation of this strategy, governments would need to invest in essential infrastructure such as transportation, digital connectivity, healthcare, and education. This investment would not only improve quality of life for residents but also make these regions more attractive for businesses and investors.
Overall, distributing new developments to regions outside of major urban centers and promoting remote work opportunities could be a promising approach to addressing housing shortages while promoting economic growth, regional development, and improved quality of life for residents. However, careful planning, investment, and stakeholder engagement will be essential to ensure the success and sustainability of this strategy.
Negotiation with Central Government: EHDC can engage in discussions with central government departments, such as the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG), to negotiate more realistic housing targets based on local circumstances and constraints.
Seek Adjustments: They can formally request adjustments to the housing targets, providing evidence of why the current targets are unrealistic or unsustainable.
2. Provide Evidence-Based Justifications
Housing Needs Assessment: Conduct a thorough local housing needs assessment to demonstrate the actual housing needs and how they differ from the imposed targets.
Capacity Studies: Provide detailed studies on local infrastructure capacity, environmental constraints, and land availability to support the argument that the targets are unachievable or detrimental to the area.
3. Revise Local Plans
Local Plan Review: As part of the regular review of the local plan, EHDC can incorporate evidence and arguments that justify lower housing targets. They can outline alternative strategies for sustainable development that align better with local conditions.
Community Involvement: Engage with the community to gather support and input, which can be used to strengthen the case for revising housing targets.
4. Utilise Legal and Planning Frameworks
Planning Appeals: EHDC can appeal specific decisions or targets set by higher authorities through planning appeals. This can be done if they believe the targets are not based on sound evidence or do not consider local constraints.
Judicial Review: In extreme cases, EHDC might consider seeking a judicial review of the housing targets if there is a legal basis to argue that the targets were set unfairly or without proper consideration of local circumstances.
5. Advocate for Policy Changes
Lobbying for Policy Reform: EHDC can lobby for changes in national planning policies that provide more flexibility for local authorities to set realistic housing targets based on local conditions.
Collaboration with Other Councils: Work with other local councils facing similar challenges to collectively advocate for policy changes or adjustments to the housing targets.
6. Highlighting Negative Impacts
Environmental Impact: Provide detailed reports on the potential environmental degradation, loss of green spaces, and biodiversity threats that could result from adhering to the current housing targets.
Infrastructure Overload: Highlight the potential overloading of local infrastructure, including roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and utilities, which could compromise the quality of life for existing residents.
7. Public and Media Campaigns
Raise Public Awareness: Use media campaigns to raise public awareness about the issue and garner community support.
Public Petitions and Meetings: Organize public petitions and hold meetings to discuss the impacts of unrealistic housing targets and to gather community feedback.
Example Steps EHDC Might Take:
Commission Independent Reports: Commission independent reports on housing needs, infrastructure capacity, and environmental impact to support their case.
Draft Formal Requests: Draft and submit formal requests to central government or relevant authorities for adjustments to the housing targets.
Engage with MPs and Councillors: Engage local Members of Parliament (MPs) and councillors to advocate on behalf of the council at higher levels of government.
Hold Public Consultations: Conduct public consultations to ensure transparency and gather additional evidence of community concerns and support.
By pursuing these avenues, EHDC can work towards achieving more realistic and sustainable housing targets that better align with the needs and capacities of the local area.
The term “proven Five Year Housing Land Supply” refers to a measure used in urban planning and development to ensure an adequate supply of land for housing construction over a specified period, usually five years.
In many jurisdictions, local planning authorities are required to demonstrate that they have enough available and deliverable land to meet their housing targets for the next five years. This is often referred to as the “Five Year Housing Land Supply” or “Five Year Land Supply.”
Having a proven Five Year Housing Land Supply is essential for local planning authorities to demonstrate that they are meeting their housing targets and ensuring a sufficient supply of housing to meet the needs of their communities. It provides certainty to developers, investors, and the public about the availability of land for housing development and helps to guide decision-making in the planning process.
Housing targets are specific goals set by government authorities to ensure an adequate supply of housing to meet the needs of the population. These targets aim to address issues such as population growth, housing affordability, and urban development. Here’s a detailed explanation of housing targets:
Purpose of Housing Targets
Addressing Population Growth: As populations grow, there is an increased demand for housing. Housing targets aim to ensure that sufficient new homes are built to accommodate this growth.
Improving Affordability: By increasing the supply of housing, targets help to stabilize or reduce housing prices, making homes more affordable for a wider range of people.
Encouraging Economic Development: Adequate housing supply supports economic growth by attracting businesses and workers to an area.
Ensuring Sustainable Development: Housing targets often incorporate considerations of sustainability, ensuring that new developments are environmentally friendly and well-integrated with existing infrastructure.
Setting Housing Targets
Housing targets are typically set based on various factors, including:
Population Projections: Estimates of future population growth and demographic changes.
Housing Needs Assessments: Studies that identify the number and types of homes required to meet the needs of different population groups.
Economic Factors: Consideration of local economic conditions, employment rates, and the availability of land for development.
Policy Objectives: National and regional policy goals, such as promoting urban regeneration or rural development.
Implementation of Housing Targets
Local Planning Authorities: Local authorities, like the East Hampshire District Council (EHDC), are responsible for implementing housing targets through their local plans and development frameworks.
Planning Permissions: Developers must obtain planning permission from local authorities, which ensures that new housing projects align with the set targets and planning policies.
Infrastructure Development: Ensuring that necessary infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, is developed to support new housing.
Monitoring and Review
Regular Monitoring: Local authorities regularly monitor housing delivery to ensure targets are being met.
Adjustments: Housing targets may be adjusted based on changing conditions, such as shifts in population trends or economic factors.
Challenges in Meeting Housing Targets
Land Availability: Finding suitable land for development can be challenging, particularly in densely populated or environmentally sensitive areas.
Community Opposition: New housing developments may face opposition from existing residents concerned about changes to their community.
Economic Factors: Economic downturns can impact the ability of developers to finance and build new homes.
Regulatory Hurdles: Planning and regulatory requirements can sometimes delay the development process.
In summary, housing targets are a crucial tool used by governments to ensure that there is an adequate supply of housing to meet the needs of the population, promote economic growth, and achieve sustainable development. They involve careful planning, coordination, and monitoring by local authorities and other stakeholders.
Definition: The 5YHLS represents the quantity of land that has been identified as suitable and available for housing development over a five-year period.
Purpose: The 5YHLS is a planning tool used by local authorities to ensure that there is a sufficient and continuous supply of land available for housing development to meet the identified housing needs of the community.
Implementation: Local planning authorities are required to maintain a 5YHLS under national planning policy. They achieve this by periodically reviewing and updating their development plans to identify suitable sites for housing development.
If local authorities fail to ensure that new developments are built in line with sustainable development rules, there are several actions that can be taken to address the situation. These actions can involve legal, administrative, and community-based approaches.
Legal Action
Judicial Review: Interested parties can seek a judicial review of the local authority’s decisions or actions. This involves asking a court to review the legality of the authority’s decisions, especially if they are believed to violate planning or environmental laws.
Enforcement Orders: Legal action can be taken to compel local authorities to enforce compliance with planning permissions and environmental regulations.
Appeals: Community members can appeal planning decisions if they believe they do not comply with sustainable development principles. This is typically done through planning inspectors or relevant regulatory bodies.
Administrative Complaints
Ombudsman Complaints: Complaints can be filed with an ombudsman or similar oversight body that investigates maladministration by local authorities.
Regulatory Bodies: Complaints can be directed to higher regulatory bodies that oversee local authorities, such as regional planning authorities or environmental agencies.
Political and Community Actions
Public Campaigns: Community members and advocacy groups can organise public campaigns to raise awareness and put pressure on local authorities to comply with sustainable development rules.
Public Meetings and Hearings: Participation in public meetings, hearings, and consultations can help hold local authorities accountable. Voicing concerns and providing evidence during these forums can influence decision-making.
Lobbying and Advocacy: Engaging with local councillors, elected officials, and other stakeholders to advocate for better enforcement of sustainable development policies.
Media and Publicity
Media Coverage: Highlighting failures and non-compliance through media coverage can put public pressure on local authorities to take corrective actions.
Social Media: Using social media platforms to mobilise community support and share information about the issue can amplify the call for action.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Collaboration with NGOs: Partnering with environmental and community-focused NGOs can provide additional resources, expertise, and support in addressing the issue.
NGO Interventions: NGOs can sometimes intervene directly by providing legal support, conducting independent assessments, and engaging in advocacy.
Independent Assessments and Audits
Commissioning Independent Studies: Engaging independent experts to conduct environmental and planning assessments to highlight deficiencies and recommend corrective actions.
Environmental Audits: Conducting audits to assess the environmental impact of developments and the adequacy of local authority oversight.
Document Evidence
Gather and document evidence of non-compliance, including photographs, reports, and witness statements.
Engage with Authorities
Attempt to engage constructively with local authorities, presenting evidence and seeking resolutions through dialogue.
Form Alliances
Form or join community groups and alliances with other concerned residents and stakeholders to strengthen the collective voice.
Seek Professional Advice
Consult with legal, environmental, and planning professionals to understand the best course of action and potential legal remedies.
Bargate Homes is, in our opinion, a parasite. They exploit the characteristics and infrastructure of the village, avoid Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), and are ultimately destroying the very features they advertise to potential buyers.
Developers should not withhold information about planned further developments. They are required to disclose comprehensive plans, including any future phases or expansions, during the planning and public consultation process. Withholding such information can be seen as deceitful and can negatively impact the community and the environment, as well as the integrity of the planning process.
Back in 2013, EIA Screening Applications were submitted almost simultaneously for the plot of land marked in red above and referred to as Land East of Cawk House, Stoney Lane (also known as Land West of Beechlands Road), and Land North of Boyneswood Lane (now known as Ashwood Estate).
The first application was submitted on behalf of Foreman Homes, and the second on behalf of Bargate Homes. Foreman Homes is a venture partner of Vivid, as Bargate Homes was when they secured permission to develop the Ashwood Estate. Now, Bargate Homes is part of Vivid. Bargate Homes did not just ask for an EIA opinion; they argued against the need for an EIA.
“…it is our view that there would be no significant environmental impact arising from the residential development of this size, and hence, an EIA is not required in this instance.”
Yet, already at the very beginning of 2018, Bargate Homes formalised their right to buy the aforementioned plot of land marked in red (through an Option Agreement).
EHDC decided that no EIA was required, against the recommendation of HCC Highways, which stated that due to the number of SHLAA sites and their combined effect on the A31 and the junctions of Boyneswood Road and Lymington Bottom Road, an EIA should be requested. In February 2019, at the very junction of Boyneswood Road, I was injured when my car was hit from behind.
Local authorities should ensure that public consultations are conducted in a factual and honest manner. This involves verifying that developers provide accurate and complete information about their projects. Transparency and honesty during consultations are essential for gaining public trust and ensuring informed decision-making. The EHDC planning application process seems to be unfit for purpose.
The first residents of Ashwood began moving in during Autumn 2018, Bargate Homes failed to disclose to their potential buyers that Ashwoods was intended as a stepping stone or a component in their master plan to transform Medstead into an ‘epic‘ building site for the construction of an additional 650 new dwellings.
As outlined in the document titled ‘South Medstead | Large Development Site,’ published in 2019, Bargate Homes was set to pursue a significant extension to the village of Medstead, rather than alternatives recognised by national planning policy, such as new settlements and town extensions. Bargate Homes’ intention to do this dates back to long before 2019, as the Option Agreement suggests. And here we are in 2024, with the next phase of their plan being published as a completely new, separate proposal.
The use of dormant companies and entering into partnerships can be a way to conceal a creeping strategy. This strategy involves a methodical and incremental approach to achieving long-term objectives without attracting significant opposition or attention. It could be employed to circumvent regulatory constraints or oversight, such as avoiding the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Bargate Homes sells the village character and quality of life, while simultaneously planning to destroy it
Ashwood is a return to nature … secluded, peaceful and relaxing …a sweet little village, poking out of the green landscape
A direct quote from the ‘Ashwood: A Life Worth Living’ brochure by Bargate Homes.
Ashwood is tucked away snugly on the fringes of Medstead, Hampshire, where the woodland meets the heath – and where nature’s doorstep meets your own.
A direct quote from the ‘Ashwood: A Life Worth Living’ brochure by Bargate Homes.
Ashwood is surrounded with lush woodland, mesmerising waterways and stunning open green space. Take a step outside – it’s where we belong, after all.
A direct quote from the ‘Ashwood: A Life Worth Living’ brochure by Bargate Homes.
When adventure calls, it’s from just beyond your front door. Epic woodland walks, luscious landscapes and quirky curiosities await you at almost every turn…
A direct quote from the ‘Ashwood: A Life Worth Living’ brochure by Bargate Homes.
Play in the leaves at Chawton Park Wood while the going’s good – because soon the air will be thick with the smell of bonfires and warm cocoa; the last call before winter creeps in quietly.
A direct quote from the ‘Ashwood: A Life Worth Living’ brochure by Bargate Homes.
Fire roads, untamed woodland and meandering singletrack trails make Chawton woods a treasure chest of untapped adventures.
A direct quote from the ‘Ashwood: A Life Worth Living’ brochure by Bargate Homes.
Hear each step of an epic walk crunch underfoot, or that satisfying sound of shingle pinging out from under your bike’s tyres while you ride to the next trail. Dogs are welcome too – but they might never want to leave.
A direct quote from the ‘Ashwood: A Life Worth Living’ brochure by Bargate Homes.
.. muddy winter’s walk – one of those epics where the dog leads the way, where the rain doesn’t matter and you’ve had too much fun to even notice the short day go by (or how wet your socks are).
A direct quote from the ‘Ashwood: A Life Worth Living’ brochure by Bargate Homes.
Nature calms, teaches and nourishes in a way that nothing else can…There’s only one way to get to know nature; go outside and say hello.
A direct quote from the ‘Ashwood: A Life Worth Living’ brochure by Bargate Homes.
this little patch of land has played host to ancient Romans
A direct quote from the ‘Ashwood: A Life Worth Living’ brochure by Bargate Homes.
this little patch of land has played host medieval knights
A direct quote from the ‘Ashwood: A Life Worth Living’ brochure by Bargate Homes.
Inspiration seems to seep from the land itself – so it’s no surprise Jane Austen made her home nearby.
A direct quote from the ‘Ashwood: A Life Worth Living’ brochure by Bargate Homes.
Medstead and its surrounding areas are steeped in history.
A direct quote from the ‘Ashwood: A Life Worth Living’ brochure by Bargate Homes.
Medstead … For 3,000 years, it’s been an important punctuation mark in the road, midway between Winchester and Farnham.
A direct quote from the ‘Ashwood: A Life Worth Living’ brochure by Bargate Homes.
Bargate Homes promised potential ‘market’ buyers ‘peaceful and relaxing surroundings, secluded in a sweet little village nestled amidst green landscapes, steeped in history; a place where ancient Romans, medieval knights, and more roamed, with epic woodland walks and luscious landscapes.
I moved into one of the first completed houses in the Ashwood Estate. For me, moving out of the city was the ultimate life goal. It is how I first met Bargate ‘Worms’, they marketed the Ashwood development with an emphasis on the village’s idyllic setting and community spirit, appealing to buyers seeking a picturesque rural lifestyle.
The location and characteristics of Medstead were the main deciding factors for us to commit to buying property in this development. I envisioned myself growing old relatively contentedly in the house developed by Bargate ‘Worms’, largely due to the location and character of the village.
We wrongly assumed that any development in such a location would only be permitted if it met all the sustainable development criteria, ensuring due consideration for environmental and social impacts, as well as infrastructure needs, especially given its status as a village known for its beauty and character.
Many individuals tend to trust the UK regulatory processes governing new housing developments in the UK, assuming that the complexity of these regulations, which often exceed thecapabilities or willingness of most people to navigate, must serve a purpose, right?
The complexity of regulations would only be justifiable if they were effective. However, based solely on the Four Marks & Medstead case, where a 40% increase in population over a 10-year period did not trigger a single Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), it is reasonable to conclude that they are not effective.
In our view, Bargate ‘Worms’ is a parasite because it exhibits parasitic characteristics:
Dependence on Host:
Exploitation of Existing Infrastructure: The development relies heavily on the existing roads, utilities, and public services of the village without significantly contributing to their maintenance or expansion.
Utilisation of Scenic and Cultural Features: It capitalises on the village’s natural beauty, historic charm, and community amenities to attract buyers.
Harm to Host:
Strain on Resources: The influx of new residents puts additional pressure on local infrastructure, leading to congestion, overburdened public services, and depletion of resources.
Environmental Degradation: By avoiding EIAs, BH developments cause significant harm to the local environment, loss of wildlife habitats, and pollution.
Specialisation:
Marketing Tactics: The development is marketed with an emphasis on the village’s idyllic setting and community spirit, appealing to buyers seeking a picturesque rural lifestyle.
Destruction of Advertised Features:
Loss of Village Character: The construction and increased population density can erode the very qualities that make the village attractive, such as tranquillity, green spaces, and a close-knit community.
Negative Impact on Quality of Life: The noise, traffic, and environmental impact associated with the development degrade the quality of life for both new and existing residents.
Impact on the Village (Host)
Economic and Social Strain: The development does NOT provide proportional economic benefits to the village, instead is causing financial strain due to increased demand for public services and infrastructure upgrades.
Environmental Concerns: Without proper EIAs, the long-term ecological balance of the area is compromised, affecting local flora and fauna and contributing to broader environmental issues.
Community Disruption: The influx of new residents altered the social fabric of the village, that is leading to social tensions and a loss of the traditional village culture.
As I settled into my new home, I became aware of local resident opposition to the construction of Ashwood, primarily through local social media groups. When questioned, the Developer’s Minions dismissed these concerns, labeling them as the grievances of a small group of dissenters, individuals who are inherently inclined to find fault where none exists. ‘You know those people… every community has them,’ we were told.
Ask yourself, would you be aware of the development in the area if not for SMASH and other concerned individuals who strive to keep everyone informed? Remember, the mind is like a parachute—it only works when open!
Local authorities are generally legally responsible for ensuring that all new developments are built in line with sustainable development rules.
If no EIA was conducted in the context of such a vast population increase, it suggests that the system of local and national regulations is dysfunctional, as it enables a ‘creeping strategy’ to flourish.
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.
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.
The cumulative significance of the developments’ impact did not trigger EIA scrutiny, as proposals were presented in piecemeal formats, effectively ‘trojan horsed.’
This reflects the dysfunctionality of the system of local and national planning regulations. The effects of such a turn of events, namely the lack of an EIA, are as follows:
The potential environmental impacts of the development might not have been properly identified or mitigated. This includes impacts on local ecosystems, water resources, air quality, and biodiversity. #unidentified-impacts
There could be increased pollution (air, water, noise) that has not been addressed or controlled adequately. #uncontrolled-pollution
The infrastructure may not have been upgraded to handle the increased population, leading to overburdened roads, water supply systems, sewage treatment, and public transport. #unplanned-growth
Public services like healthcare, education, and emergency services may be strained, affecting their quality and availability. #service-dverload
The rapid increase in population could have altered the social fabric and culture of the village, potentially causing friction or loss of community identity. #cultural-impact
Existing residents may have experienced displacement or significant disruption without adequate measures to mitigate these effects. #displacement #disruption
An EIA would have identified measures to mitigate negative impacts, which are now potentially unaddressed. #missed-opportunitieso-for-mitigation
Without an EIA, the long-term sustainability of the development is questionable. Environmental degradation and resource depletion could have lasting negative effects on the village. #long-term-effects
The village may be less resilient to future challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and further population growth. #resilience
If local authorities fail to ensure compliance with sustainable development rules, a combination of legal, administrative, political, and community actions can be taken to address the issue. It is essential to document evidence, engage with authorities, leverage media and public pressure, and seek professional and NGO support. These steps can help ensure that sustainable development principles are upheld and that the environmental, social, and economic impacts of developments are appropriately managed.
Conduct a post-development environmental and social assessment to identify and address any unmitigated impacts. Implement corrective measures and mitigation strategies as needed.
Ensure future developments are subject to rigorous EIA processes to prevent similar situations. Review and enforce existing environmental regulations and planning laws.
The primary goal of an EIA is to identify and assess the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project and to inform the public and all other stakeholders about these effects.
It allows decision-makers to validate whether the proposed project would contribute positively to the community.
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.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) plays a crucial role in sustainable development by helping to ensure that proposed projects and developments are evaluated in terms of their potential environmental, social, and economic impacts before they are approved and implemented.
The Brundtland Report defined sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
The purpose of a screening opinion in the context of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is to determine whether a proposed project requires a full EIA.
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.
The screening opinion is a crucial step in the EIA process that helps ensure that significant environmental impacts are identified and addressed early in the project planning stages, thereby promoting sustainable development and environmental protection.
The primary objective is to decide if a full EIA is necessary for the proposed project. This decision is based on criteria such as the size, nature, and potential environmental impact of the project.
To identify any potential significant environmental effects that the project might have. This includes considering the type of development, the location, and the potential scale of impacts.
To categorise the project under relevant regulatory frameworks. In many jurisdictions, projects are classified into categories or lists that indicate whether an EIA is mandatory, optional, or not required.
To provide early guidance to the project developers about what environmental considerations need to be addressed. This can include preliminary suggestions for mitigating potential impacts.
To facilitate efficient decision-making by regulatory authorities and project developers. A screening opinion helps streamline the process by identifying whether further detailed analysis is needed.
The regulatory authority reviews the submitted information against established criteria and thresholds to assess the potential significance of the environmental impacts.
In some cases, the regulatory authority may consult with other stakeholders, including environmental agencies, local authorities, and the public, to gather additional input on the potential impacts.
The regulatory authority issues a screening opinion, which states whether a full EIA is required. If an EIA is deemed necessary, the opinion will outline the key issues that need to be addressed in the assessment.
By determining early on whether a full EIA is needed, the screening opinion helps avoid unnecessary delays and ensures that resources are allocated appropriately.
The primary goal of an EIA is to identify and assess the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project and to inform the public and all other stakeholders about these effects.
It allows decision-makers to validate whether the proposed project would contribute positively to the community.
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.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) plays a crucial role in sustainable development by helping to ensure that proposed projects and developments are evaluated in terms of their potential environmental, social, and economic impacts before they are approved and implemented.
The Brundtland Report defined sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Just as organizations conduct root cause analysis to identify the primary contributors to defects, Planning authorities can and should conduct thorough assessments of national and local policies to pinpoint specific areas where improvements are most needed. This analysis can help streamline processes, eliminate redundancies, and enhance clarityandconsistency in regulations.
Developing new settlements with comprehensive planning and infrastructure provision offers a more sustainable solution by creating well-designed, inclusive communities that meet the needs of residents while minimizing strain on existing infrastructure.
