The Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017

Environmental statements

11.—(1) An EIA application shall be accompanied by an environmental statement for the purposes of these Regulations.

(2) An environmental statement is a statement which includes at least—

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

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

(c) a description of any features of the proposed development, or measures envisaged 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 development and its specific characteristics, and an indication of the main reasons for the option chosen, taking into account the significant effects of the development on the environment;

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

(f) any information specified in Schedule 4 relevant to the specific characteristics of the particular development or type of development and to the environmental features likely to be significantly affected.

(3) To ensure the completeness and quality of the statement, the environmental statement shall—

(a) be prepared by competent experts;

(b) contain a statement by or on the behalf of the applicant setting out how the requirements of paragraph (3)(a) have been complied with;

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

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

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