The Effect of Environmental Assessment on UK Local Planning Authority Decisions

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Abstract
Environmental assessment (EA) is intended to ensure that environmental considerations are properly weighed in the decisions made by local planning authorities on planning applications. This paper analyses whether, to what extent, and how, EA has influenced LPA decisions. Forty case studies were analysed by examining relevant documentation and conducting interviews with participants in the EA process. EA appears to have had a gradual rather than a revolutionary effect on decision-making. Its main benefits have been the enhanced provision of environmental information and, to a lesser extent, assistance in setting conditions and in modifying proposals. However, these benefits are not occurring in all cases, and changes are needed if the expected advantages of EA—better integration of environmental considerations into project planning and decision-making-are to be fully realised in the UK.