Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

East Lothian Council is the consenting body for EIA projects falling under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Scotland) (2017).  However, there are other types of development that fall under different EIA Regulations depending on the consenting regime.  These are usually determined by the Scottish Government or related body.  East Lothian Council are not the consenting body for these development types and are usually involved only as a consultee in the consenting process.  Often these projects involve more than one Local Authority due to their transboundary nature.  You can find out more information on the different consenting regimes on the Scottish Government webpage on EIA.    

Electricity Works 

Projects falling under this categoy are usually made under Section 36 of the Electricty Act 1989.  Certain applications in relation to energy infrastructure are made to the Scottish Ministers for determination. These cases are administered by the Energy Consents Unit and you can view copies of EIA screening and scoping opinions on their website.  Types of development that fall under the Electricty Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Scotland) (2017) include nuclear power stations, oil and gas pipelines, and high voltage electricty transmission lines.  

Marine Works

Works within the marine environment often require a marine license before they can be carried out.  Marine Scotland are responsible for applications seeking a marine license.  Development types that are considered under the Marine Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Scotland) (2017) include offshore wind farms, undersea cables, or wave/tidal power generation.  You can view EIA screening and scoping opinions relating to marine works on the Marine Scotland website.