Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Understanding Environmental Impact Assessments for planning
If you’re planning a development, you may need to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). An EIA helps identify how a proposal could affect the environment, such as local wildlife, landscapes, water, air quality or nearby communities.
Most EIAs are required for larger developments, but smaller projects may also need one if they are in or near a sensitive area. We use the EIA process to make sure we fully understand any significant environmental effects arising from a proposed development before making a planning decision.
When is an EIA needed?
All development proposals listed in Schedule 1 of The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017 require EIA.
Developments of a type listed in Schedule 2 to the 2017 EIA Regulations will require EIA if they are likely to have a significant effect on the environment, due to factors such as their size, nature or location.
The guidelines for EIA within planning are as follows:
- Planning Advice Note 1/2013: Environmental Impact Assessment
- Planning Circular 1/2017: Environmental Impact Assessment regulations 2017
Requesting a screening opinion
If your proposal falls under Schedule 2, you can apply to us for a Screening Opinion. This will advise whether EIA is required.
To request one, you should send:
- a plan showing the location
- a short description of your proposal
- information on any possible environmental impacts, and any steps you plan to take to reduce them
We will respond within three weeks. If we decide an EIA is required, you have a right of appeal.
You can submit your request using our online form.
Requesting a scoping opinion
If an EIA is needed, you can also ask us for a Scoping Opinion. This sets out what information your Environmental Impact Assessment Report should include.