The Environmental Assessment

Major planning applications can be subject to the requirement of an Environmental Assessment where all aspects of the development are examined in detail and the potential environmental impact of the proposal on the surrounding area, (landscape, flora and fauna, wild life and residents) is qualified. Like a Transport Assessment an Environmental Assessment is subject to a formal scoping study where it is need and then its contents are first agreed with the Local Planning Authority.

The Highway Engineers input to the Environmental Assessment will reflect the work carried out in the Transport Assessment but is written in a specific manner to form part of one overarching report. It is usual for a number of professional consultants to contribute to the Environmental Assessment and each will provide a chapter in the technical assessment volume of the report. The highway/transportation aspect of the development will include both the effects of its future operation and the effects during its construction.

Each of the technical assessments is usually presented as a single chapter and follows the example structure set out below: -

Introduction

Scope and structure of chapter

Policy Context

Briefly highlighting relevant policy, national standards, guidance and good practice

Assessment Methodology & Significance Criteria

This includes the methodology agreed at the Scoping Study with the relevant statutory consultee (Local Planning Authority or Local Highway Authority)

Baseline Conditions

This includes the sources of information, site history, current environmental conditions, future trends (for example committed development) and anticipated potential changes to the current conditions that could be anticipated without the scheme

Potential Effects

Summary of those resources/receptors likely to be affected by the development, the sensitivity of those receptors to accommodate change; the degree of change resulting from the proposal; the change of events or pathways linking cause to effect and a prediction of the significance of effects in terms of nature, extent and magnitude including whether it is direct or indirect, short or long term, permanent or temporary and beneficial or adverse

Mitigation Measures

Scope for mitigation of any identified effects through avoidance, reduction, remedy or compensation

Residual Effects

Identification of any effects remaining after mitigation.

Summary & Conclusions

With the accompanying Transport Assessment and Travel Plan included as an Appendix.