[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.’

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:

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

---

---

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

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.

---

---