Florence Usher, a Technical Consultant in our E&E team recently attended Scotland’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Conference which was hosted in Edinburgh on 2nd October.
Here is her event summary:
‘The EIA Conference was an engaging and insightful day which brought together professionals involved in the assessment of impacts for new development projects.
Each speaker introduced a different aspect of impact assessment, with various opportunities to interact with technical experts and decision makers alike, in both the energy sector that TNEI works in, and also in wider planning sectors.
In particular, it was interesting to understand the fundamental procedures that the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division follow throughout their decision making process for energy developments, and learn more about EIA Case Law and its practical relevance to ongoing projects.
It was positive to see, in the concluding presentations, the advancements in surveying techniques and guidance that are being progressed to further improve the impact assessment process across the UK to allow for a more streamlined approach.
It was clear that the EIA process requires refining to ensure that applicants, consultees, and decision makers are collaborating, thereby improving efficiency throughout all phases of the planning process.
It was encouraging to be surrounded by likeminded individuals who are searching for a way to improve and streamline the process whilst ensuring that environmental impacts of potential developments are being assessed appropriately.’
