Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

This module aims to introduce students to selected aspects of the legal rules and principles governing the regulation in the UK of the built and natural environment. It also considers Environmental Impact Assessment which allows the prediction of likely damage to the built and natural environment alongside applications for major development projects. This module will explore how the introduction of Environmental Assessment at European level imposes legal requirements for the consideration of 'environmental information' in the planning and decision making process. The scope of Environmental Impact Assessment will be considered in relation to historical case studies and recent proposals: including the Aswan Dam, Sydney Harbour Tunnel and Severn Barrage. The lectures are designed to be interactive, involving some group work including a workshop where students' fulfil the role of a 'judge' in deciding the outcome of planning appeals. The module will conclude with a lecture on 'Strategic Environmental Assessment', which has recently been introduced to Member States. This lecture will discuss the opportunities and challenges the SEA Directive may present.

In addition to gaining knowledge of substantive UK environmental law, the module will examine some of the underlying policy issues related to environmental protection. Students will be expected to develop critical perspectives on substantive legal issues by considering the complex social, economic and political context in which these rules and principles exist. Because the course is delivered solely by 9 x 2 hour lectures, students will be expected to develop a deeper understanding of the subject, and the issues it raises, through independent learning and research that builds upon the recommended readings provided.

This module may be suitable for students considering a career path with local authorities, statutory environmental agencies (e.g. Countryside Council for Wales) or consultancy firms.

1. Law - Habitual Normative Behaviour, Legal Principles and Hierarchies of Rules
2. Elements of the UK Legal System in its Social and Legal Context
3. The Sources and Principles of Environmental Law
4. Nuisance and The Historical Failure of Common Law to Protect the Environment
5. Introduction to Institutional Arrangements, Environmental policies and Principles
6. The Range of Legal Techniques Used in Environmental Law
7. Pollution on Land
8. Water Pollution
9. Air Pollution
10. Assessing the Effectiveness of Law in Terrestrial Habitat Conservation
11. Approaches to the Conservation of the Marine Environment, and the Problems Encountered
12. Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment and planning law.
13. EIA in the UK - the difference between an ideal process and EIA regulations
14. EIA methods - how can you do it?
15. EIA outside the UK
16. Strategic Environmental Assessment - the impacts of policies, plans and programmes