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The Value of Scoping Opinions: the Tower Hamlets approach

The Value of Scoping Opinions: the Tower Hamlets approach. Peter Cole September 23 rd 2010. Context. Key Environmental Sensitivities: Transport Micro-climate Townscape and Visual Construction Noise and Dust Large social and economic inequalities Densely populated area

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The Value of Scoping Opinions: the Tower Hamlets approach

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  1. The Value of Scoping Opinions: the Tower Hamlets approach • Peter Cole • September 23rd 2010

  2. Context • Key Environmental Sensitivities: • Transport • Micro-climate • Townscape and Visual • Construction Noise and Dust • Large social and economic inequalities • Densely populated area • Cumulative impacts

  3. Why do we need to Scope? • Identify baseline data and survey requirements • Ensure agreement & avoid delays later • Ensure a concise ES is produced • Focus on key environmental issues for Tower Hamlets • Cost effective for both developer and LPA (less Reg. 19’s) • Reassurance for consultees and public • More chance of good design from outset

  4. Setting the Scene Tight Timescale Scoping Report Prepared 5 Week Turnaround

  5. 5 Weeks Later • No response? • Generic Response bearing little relation to submitted Scoping Report? With 2 months left until application submission, how do you proceed?

  6. Challenges for the LPA • Lack of Capacity, e.g. no EIA Officer, EHO workloads • Generic Responses Infrequently Updated • Lack of Contact from Applicant Pre-Scoping Report Submission • Tight timescales • Generic or conflicting advice from Consultees

  7. Tower Hamlets Approach • Scrapped existing templates and developed Scoping Guidance and a new Scoping Opinion Template • EIA Guidance Document • Residing online within ‘Pre-Application Advice’ on Tower Hamlets Planning Website (web link) www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgsl/601-650/608_development_control/pre-application_advice/eia_scoping_guidance.aspx • Input from EIA Practitioners, Council Planners and Technical Officers

  8. Aims of LBTH Scoping Guidance: • Proactive approach to opinions • Highlighting key Tower Hamlets issues to address • Signal appropriate EIA methodologies • Stimulate discussion with Applicants • Template: • Ensures bespoke response, focussing on any departures from LBTH Scoping Guidance

  9. Is it Working? • Too early to tell as although it became ‘operational’ in May 2010, the first scheme scoped using the new process has only just been submitted (currently reviewing the ES). • However, • Awareness amongst Applicants has increased (and their Agents/ EIA Consultants) • Has encouraged communication (hopefully before Scoping Report submitted in the future) • Has resulted in a more tailored Scoping Opinion Service • Monitoring Impact on ES quality • Plans to update Scoping Guidance annually

  10. Questions....

  11. CC Adaptation Principles Consultation • IEMA is currently consulting on its ‘Climate Change Adaptation and EIA’ principles in draft form. • Consultation closes on the 15th October 2010. • The draft principles can be found at: • http://www.iema.net/stream.php/download/iema/principles/DraftPrinciples_CCAdaptation_%26EIA_IEMA_Sept10.pdf • Wider information can be found at: • www.iema.net/eia-cc

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