Schedule 1 Projects
These projects always require an EIA due to their significant environmental effects. Examples include large-scale power plants, chemical works, and large infrastructure projects.
Schedule 2 Projects Relevant to Residential Developments
These projects may require an EIA if they are likely to have significant environmental effects due to factors such as their nature, size, or location. The thresholds and criteria for Schedule 2 projects are more specific.
The following thresholds apply to urban development projects, including residential developments:
Projects involving the development of land where the area of the development exceeds 1 hectare.
Projects involving the construction of more than 150 dwellings.
Projects where the overall area of the development exceeds 5 hectares.
Example Application
Urban Setting: A proposed development of 160 dwellings in an urban area would exceed the threshold and thus would typically require an EIA.
Rural Setting: A proposed development of 40 dwellings on a 6-hectare site in a village might require an EIA, particularly if the local authority considers the potential for significant environmental effects.
Schedule 3: Selection Criteria for Screening Schedule 2 Development
The criteria for determining whether a Schedule 2 project requires an EIA include:
The size and design of the whole development.
Consideration of the cumulative effects with other projects.
The UK regulations do indeed account for cumulative significance when assessing whether an EIA is required. The consideration of cumulative impacts ensures that the full environmental effect of multiple projects is evaluated, providing a more comprehensive assessment of potential environmental impacts.
Key Points on Cumulative Effects:
1. Cumulative Effects:
- The potential for a project to have a significant impact when combined with other existing or approved projects. This can include a wide range of factors such as increased traffic, pollution levels, or changes to the landscape.
2. Screening Process:
- During the screening process, the local planning authority must consider whether the project, in combination with other projects, is likely to have significant effects on the environment. This includes both current and future projects.
3. Regulation References:
- Regulation 4(6): Requires consideration of the direct effects and any indirect, secondary, cumulative, short, medium, and long-term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects of a project.
The existing land use, the relative abundance, quality, and regenerative capacity of natural resources in the area, and the absorption capacity of the natural environment.