Screening and Scoping Registers
EIA screening
To confirm whether a project needs an Environmental Impact Assessment developers can ask for a formal EIA screening opinion from the council. A screening opinion sets out the council's decision on the need for EIA, and the criteria used to reach the decision. Screening opinions must be issued within 21 days of receipt of a request, unless additional time is agreed with the originator.
We are required to keep screening opinions for two years on the Screening Register.
If a planning application is subsequently made for the development the screening opinion will be moved to the planning register.
It is preferable for screening to be carried out prior to submission of a planning application. However, where a planning application is made for a type of development that requires screening but where no screening opinion has previously been issued, screening will be carried out at that point and the council's decision will be sent to the person or organisation that submitted the planning application.
EIA scoping
A developer intending on preparing an EIA Report may request a formal scoping opinion from the council. This will give details of what subjects the council expects the EIA Report to cover and often includes guidance on methodology. Scoping is not essential, however it is strongly recommended as failure to include required information in the EIA Report can lead to delays in processing a planning application, or delays to project timelines.
To produce the scoping opinion, we will consult with statutory bodies and relevant services within the council.
Scoping Opinions are required to be issued within 35 days of receipt of a request, unless additional time is agreed with the originator.
We are required to keep scoping opinions for two years on the Scoping Register.