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The Value of Scoping Opinions: the Tower Hamlets approachPeter Cole

September 23rd 2010

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ContextKey Environmental

Sensitivities:• Transport• Micro-climate• Townscape and Visual• Construction Noise

and Dust• Large social and

economic inequalities • Densely populated

area• Cumulative impacts

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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

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Tight Timescale Scoping Report Prepared 5 Week Turnaround

Setting the Scene

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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?

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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

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Tower Hamlets ApproachScrapped 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

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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

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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

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Questions....

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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