Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects: Pre-Application Advice on Environmental Impact Assessment
Summary
The Planning Inspectorate has published non-statutory advice on pre-application Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). It explains how the EIA process under the Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 and the Planning Act 2008 should be handled before a Development Consent Order application is submitted, including screening, scoping and the use of the Rochdale Envelope.
Why it matters
Although focused on NSIPs rather than routine residential work, the guidance is relevant to surveyors involved in large-scale development, planning support or due diligence where environmental assessment and consenting processes affect land and property. It also reinforces the importance of early consultation, documentation and regulatory compliance in major schemes.
Key points
- Sets out pre-application advice for EIA in the NSIP consenting process.
- Confirms that EIA is governed by the Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017.
- Notes that applicants should consider screening or scoping early and may need an inception meeting with the Planning Inspectorate.
- Requires a GIS shapefile to be submitted at least 10 working days before a screening or scoping request.
- Emphasises public participation and consultation as a core part of the EIA process.
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