[Go 2 References¹]

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.’

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO US?

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.

As per the above, it is crucial to urgently:

EIA: What Is It?

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.

Little did I know that a creeping strategy could be employed to circumvent regulatory constraints or oversight, such as avoiding the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

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.

Never underestimate the significance of the negative environmental impact of ‘piecemeal’ developments collectively creeping into villages

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 Concept of Sustainable Development: Why Are EIAs So Important?

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.”

References:

1. FOI – REF-191888-D3L9 – POPULATION
   FOI – REF-191888-D3L9 – EHDC SPREADSHEET “DWELLINGS COMPLETIONS IN FOUR MARKS AND MEDSTEAD BETWEEN 2011 AND 2023 (APR-MAR) BY PARISH”
   EIA SCREENING APPLICATION FOR FOUR MARKS & MEDSTEAD WARD (2011-2024) ↩︎

Screening Opinion in EIA – Purpose

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.

Screening Opinion in EIA – Key Objectives

Screening Opinion in EIA – Process

Screening Opinion in EIA – Benefits

EIA: What Is It?

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.

Little did I know that a creeping strategy could be employed to circumvent regulatory constraints or oversight, such as avoiding the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

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.

The Concept of Sustainable Development: Why Are EIAs So Important?

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 overly convoluted national and local policies create an environment conducive to organised abuse and workarounds

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 clarity and consistency in regulations.

Urbanising villages does not address the underlying factors driving housing shortages

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.

EIA stands for Environmental Impact Assessment. It is a process used to evaluate the potential environmental effects / consequences of a proposed development project, plan, or policy before it is approved or implemented.

The primary goal of an EIA is to identify and assess the likely environmental impacts of a project and to inform decision-makers, stakeholders, and the public about these effects.

Key components of an EIA

Considering social and economic benefits in the EIA process helps to provide a comprehensive assessment of a project’s overall impact.

It ensures that the development can contribute positively to the community and economy, justifying the project even if there are some adverse environmental impacts, provided these can be mitigated.

This holistic approach aims to achieve sustainable development that benefits both people and the planet.

Social Benefits

Economic Benefits

Little did I know that a creeping strategy could be employed to circumvent regulatory constraints or oversight, such as avoiding the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

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.

To EIA or not to EIA, that is the screening application question

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.

Urbanising villages does not address the underlying factors driving housing shortages

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.

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In the context of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in the UK, the terms “impact” and “effect” are often used interchangeably, but they have nuanced differences that are important for understanding and communicating environmental assessments effectively.

Understanding the distinction between “impact” and “effect” in the EIA process is crucial for conducting thorough and effective environmental assessments in the UK.

This distinction ensures that both the changes brought about by a development (impacts) and their specific consequences (effects) are accurately identified, assessed, and mitigated.

An impact refers to a change or alteration resulting from an activity or intervention. It is usually a broader term encompassing various types of changes, whether direct, indirect, positive, or negative.

In contrast, an effect is typically seen as the consequence of an impact. It refers to the specific outcome or result that occurs due to the impact.

EIA: What Is It?

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.

The national and local policies are overly convoluted, with inadequate or ineffective quality assurance and control over their functionality. This is due to ambiguous regulations, inconsistent guidelines, and a lack of resources or inadequate training.

The main objective of planning authorities is to regulate and manage land use and development within their jurisdiction in a manner that promotes sustainable development, protects the environment, ensures public safety, and enhances the quality of life for residents.

More convoluted policies result in greater constraints on adequate supervision. This creates an environment conducive to organised abuse and workarounds, which raises questions about the purpose of these policies. This is especially concerning given that the housing shortage UK crisis persists.

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 clarity and consistency in regulations.

Little did I know that a creeping strategy could be employed to circumvent regulatory constraints or oversight, such as avoiding the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

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.

To EIA or not to EIA, that is the screening application question

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.

Why are monopolistic practices prevalent in the UK housing market?

The UK faces a heightened risk of monopolistic practices in its housing market. When housing is scarce, demand often outstrips supply, leading to intensified competition among buyers and renters. In such scenarios, developers and landlords may wield greater influence over terms and prices, potentially stifling market competition….WE CALL FOR A NATIONAL AUDIT of the new housing market!

The collective impact of individual new housing developments in the area should be subjected to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) evaluations.

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

The cumulative effect of multiple housing developments can strain local infrastructure and services, such as transportation networks, utilities, schools, and healthcare facilities. An EIA should evaluate the capacity of existing infrastructure to accommodate the increased demand generated by new developments and identify any necessary upgrades or improvements. #infrastructure-and-services

Collectively, new housing developments can impact natural resources such as water bodies, wildlife habitats, and green spaces. An EIA should assess the cumulative effects of development on these resources and identify measures to protect or mitigate adverse impacts. #environmental-resources

40% population increase from 2011 to 2021

in the Four Marks & Medstead ward

The collective impact of housing developments can also have social and economic implications for the local community, including changes in population demographics, housing affordability, and community cohesion. An EIA should consider these factors and assess their cumulative effects on the well-being of residents. #social-and-economic-impacts

By considering the collective impact of individual housing developments, EIAs can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the overall environmental, social, and economic implications of development in a given area. This allows decision-makers to make informed choices about land use planning and development that balance growth with environmental and community needs.

EIA: What Is It?

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.

Little did I know that a creeping strategy could be employed to circumvent regulatory constraints or oversight, such as avoiding the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

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.

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.

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 and minimize scrutiny while still accomplishing their long-term objectives, without controlled accountability for the impacts and effects of their actions.

TRANSPARENT INTRANSPARENCY

And if caught stealing by hand, insist it’s not your hand

The use of dormant companies and entering partnerships could potentially be part of this strategy to conceal such practices.

EIA: What Is It?

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.

Never underestimate the significance of the negative environmental impact of ‘piecemeal’ developments collectively creeping into villages

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 Concept of Sustainable Development: Why Are EIAs So Important?

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 overly convoluted national and local policies create an environment conducive to organised abuse and workarounds

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 clarity and consistency in regulations.

To EIA or not to EIA, that is the screening application question

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.

Why are monopolistic practices prevalent in the UK housing market?

The UK faces a heightened risk of monopolistic practices in its housing market. When housing is scarce, demand often outstrips supply, leading to intensified competition among buyers and renters. In such scenarios, developers and landlords may wield greater influence over terms and prices, potentially stifling market competition….WE CALL FOR A NATIONAL AUDIT of the new housing market!

Urbanising villages without adequately addressing infrastructure needs, exacerbate existing strains on legacy infrastructure and does NOT represent sustainable approach to addressing housing shortages.

Legacy infrastructure in rural areas are NOT designed to accommodate the increased population density associated with urbanization. Upgrading or expanding infrastructure to meet the needs of a larger population is costly and time-consuming, particularly if the existing systems are outdated or inadequate.

Rapid urbanisation of villages leads to social and environmental challenges, including loss of green spaces, disruption of community cohesion, increased pollution, and pressure on natural resources. Without careful planning and mitigation measures, these impacts undermine the sustainability and liveability of the affected areas.

Urbanising villages does not address the underlying factors driving housing shortages, such as affordability, housing supply constraints, and regional disparities. 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.

Building new settlements from scratch provides an opportunity to incorporate innovative urban design, sustainable technologies, and smart infrastructure solutions. By planning and developing new communities holistically, policymakers can create resilient, future-proofed environments that support long-term economic growth, social well-being, and environmental sustainability.

EIA: What Is It?

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.

The Concept of Sustainable Development: Why Are EIAs So Important?

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.”

To EIA or not to EIA, that is the screening application question

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.

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