Environmental statements
14.—(1) An application for an order granting development consent for EIA development must be accompanied by an environmental statement.
(2) An environmental statement is a statement which includes at least—
(a)a description of the proposed development comprising information on the site, design, size and other relevant features of the development;
(b)a description of the likely significant effects of the proposed development on the environment;
(c)a description of any features of the proposed development, or measures envisaged in order to avoid, prevent or reduce and, if possible, offset likely significant adverse effects on the environment;
(d)a description of the reasonable alternatives studied by the applicant, which are relevant to the proposed development and its specific characteristics, and an indication of the main reasons for the option chosen, taking into account the effects of the development on the environment;
(e)a non-technical summary of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (a) to (d); and
(f)any additional information specified in Schedule 4 relevant to the specific characteristics of the particular development or type of development and to the environmental features likely to be significantly affected.
(3) The environmental statement referred to in paragraph (1) must—
(a)where a scoping opinion has been adopted, be based on the most recent scoping opinion adopted (so far as the proposed development remains materially the same as the proposed development which was subject to that opinion);
(b)include the information reasonably required for reaching a reasoned conclusion on the significant effects of the development on the environment, taking into account current knowledge and methods of assessment; and
(c)be prepared, taking into account the results of any relevant UK environmental assessment, which is reasonably available to the applicant with a view to avoiding duplication of assessment.
(4) In order to ensure the completeness and quality of the environmental statement—
(a)the applicant must ensure that the environmental statement is prepared by competent experts; and
(b)the environmental statement must be accompanied by a statement from the applicant outlining the relevant expertise or qualifications of such experts.