Module Information

This module aims to give students a practical understanding of the EIA system in the UK.

In Semester 1, students study the theory of environmental impact assessment in the EIA Unit of the Biological Sciences Department. In Semester 2, the course is taught in the Law Department and is project based, giving students the opportunity to examine the use of Environmental Assessment techniques in practice. Students will be given a specific development proposal for the project, and will then study the manner in which the application for planning permission moves through the development control process to a decision (including public enquiry in some cases). The use of environmental assessment in practice will be evaluated from the Environmental Statement and other documentation presented in the planning process stages. The module is intended to give students an appreciation of both the theory and the practical application of environmental assessment techniques, and their importance and relevance in shaping the nature of discourse and decision making within the development control process.

This module is in two parts. The first is a theoretical study of EIA, and the second is project based. Students will study a particular development proposal and the way in which its environmental impacts are assessed. This will involve considering the planning documents supporting the application for development consent (planning permission) and in particular the Environmental Statement submitted by the developer. Students will be encouraged to analyse the way in which environmental impacts are (a) presented and (b) evaluated through the EIA process and any subsequent public enquiry. All relevant planning documents for the project will be supplied with the course materials.