Environmental Assessment (EA)

Environmental Assessment (EA) is typically required to support larger planning applications and is intended to:-

"ensure that the likely effects of new development on the environment are fully understood and taken into account before the development is allowed to go ahead."

In addition, some projects which do not technically require an EA, but need to consider a similar range of issues, may benefit from organising the planning application in a similar format, known as an Environmental Report.

Whilst this does not carry the same regulatory obligations as a full EA, it demonstrates that a systematic approach has been taken to the analysis and mitigation of relevant issues.

The product of an EA is the Environmental Statement (ES) - the document which is finally submitted to the local authority

2B's role in the process:-

• as chartered Landscape Architects, we are the people to carry out the landscape and visual assessments within the overall EA;
• our skills in Visualisation (3d modelling, realtime presentation and photomontage) are essential in providing a robust and objective impression of the proposals;
• we can work within a team brought together by the client;
• if the client hasn't decided on a team, we can also bring together the necessary experts to produce the entire ES, for example planners, ecologists, noise engineers etc.

2B is experienced in the actual production of the report. Combining the written and graphical inputs, from perhaps a dozen experts, into a stylistically coherent report, is not a trivial task. It is important that an ES looks like one report - a Statement - rather than a collection of different reports in one binder!

Project examples:

Tansterne Power Station

Tansterne Straw-Burning Power Station

We have been involved since the early days of this project, producing graphics, photomontages, the Environmental Report, and Landscape and Visual Proof of Evidence for a planning inquiry, at which our client's appeal was upheld. We are currently assisting in both project management and the resolution of detailed planning conditions, prior to commencement of site mitigation works and construction.

South Humber Bank Power Line

South Humber Bank 400kV Transmission Line

This major Environmental Impact Assessment dealt with the effects of a proposed 30km-length 400kV transmission line for National Grid, across North Lincolnsire. It involved wide-area landscape character assessment, relative objective scoring of three alternative routes, production of an Environmental Statement and Proofs of Evidence and a £1million planting mitigation contract.

Grimethorpe Power Station

iea