The Environmental Impact Assessment (Miscellaneous Amendments Relating to Harbours, Highways and Transport) Regulations 2017

8.  For rule 11 (Environmental statements: provision of information), substitute—

“Environmental statements: provision of information

11.— (1) An environmental statement submitted in connection with an application shall include—

(a) a description of the project comprising information on the site, design, size and other relevant features of the proposed works;

(b) a description of the likely significant effects of the proposed works on the environment;

(c) a description of any features of the proposed works, or measures proposed to be taken in order to avoid, prevent or reduce and, if possible, offset likely significant adverse effects on the environment;

(d) a description of the reasonable alternatives studied by the applicant, which are relevant to the proposed works and their specific characteristics, and an indication of the main reason for the option chosen, taking into account the significant effects of the proposed works on the environment;

(e) a non-technical summary of the information provided under sub-paragraphs (a) to (d); and

(f) any additional information specified in Schedule 1 relevant to the specific characteristics of the proposed works or type of proposed works and to the environmental features likely to be significantly affected.

(2) The environmental statement referred to in paragraph (1) shall—

(a) where a scoping opinion has been issued in accordance with rule 8, be based on the most recent scoping opinion issued (so far as the proposed works remains materially the same as the proposed works which was subject to that decision);

(b) include the information required for reaching a reasoned conclusion on the significant effects of the works on the environment, taking into account current knowledge and methods of assessment; and

(c) be prepared, taking into account other relevant environmental assessments required under European Union legislation or some other provision of domestic legislation, with a view to avoiding duplication of assessment.

(3) In order to ensure the completeness and quality of the environmental statement—

(a) the applicant must ensure that the environmental statement is prepared by competent experts; and

(b) the environmental statement must be accompanied by a statement from the applicant outlining the relevant expertise or qualifications of such experts.”