This quick guide gives an overview of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). EIA is a procedure that ensures that the environmental implications of developments are taken into account before planning decisions are made. This paper outlines what EIAs are, when they are required, screening, what happens to planning applications without an Environmental Statement, what EIAs have to include, how Environmental Statements are taken into account and the revisions to the EIA Directive.
The Planning Series: 10 - Environmental Impact Assessment (PDF, 1MB)
National Assembly for Wales Research Service