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Written question asked by Hugh Robertson (Conservative) on Monday, 10 November 2014, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 November 2014 (named day). It was answered by Brandon Lewis (Conservative) on Monday, 17 November 2014 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.


Housing: Construction

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, under what circumstances an environmental impact assessment can be requested when a housing development is proposed; and if he will make a statement.

Answer

An environmental impact assessment is required for development proposals which are likely to have a significant impact on the environment. The procedure for establishing whether an environmental impact assessment is necessary (the screening process) is set out in planning regulations and explained in planning guidance (http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/).

The guidance makes it clear that only a very small proportion of developments should require a formal environmental impact assessment. We have consulted on proposals to reduce the number of residential cases that local planning authorities have to screen (https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/339528/Technical_consultation_on_planning.pdf ) and we will publish the Government's response in due course.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
214064
Session
2014-15
Subjects
Construction Housing Environmental impact assessment Planning permission
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk