FEATURE SPONSOR
PLANNING ISSUES
EXPERIENCE – SIAN JOHN Sian John, who has over 20 years’ experience of co-ordinating, managing and undertaking complex EIAs, Cumulative Impact Assessments (CIAs) and Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs), raised the question of whether Evidence Plans mean a quicker process. “In my experience, Evidence Plans can mean a smoother process with fewer surprises, where work is front-loaded” she explained. “It doesn’t necessarily lead to a quicker process, but it does mean there is more time to address any problems and get sign-off.”
Concurring with this view, Natural England’s Roger Covey believes the value of the Evidence Plan is in enabling agreement on common ground and allowing issues to be dealt with as part of the process.
Whilst not representing a regulator ‘signing off’ approach, it does provide more accountability because a named individual is responsible for agreeing the way forward. “The view given has to be a considered response, because it’s all documented and has a specific persons’ name against it” he says.
In answer to this, the key differences identified were…
• Front-loading the work required and limiting surprises
• Providing a formal structure • Setting a clear-cut off date for fixing the scheme and the studies required.
• Ensuring regular, focused and documented dialogue
• Helping a development team to defend (and evidence) their approach under examination
ADDITIONAL PANEL COMMENTS “You definitely reduce the chance of delays” said Mandy. “Not all regulatory bodies are willing to engage, but Evidence Plans are an independent process that brings people to the table.”
“It seems clear from the experience in the room, that Evidence Plans allow greater control” summarised Sian. “You don’t reduce the timescales but you do reduce uncertainly and risk. You’re in a much stronger position when it comes to examination.”
EVIDENCE PLANS USE
Given these benefits, the discussion turned to whether Evidence Plans should be used in an abbreviated form for projects that are already underway and the extent to which they could be expanded to encompass relevant (nature conservation) EIA topics.
The panel concluded both that they could be used in an abbreviated form, with relevant sign-up, and made wider to cover other EIA issues.
FINAL WORD
The final word went to Natural England and Roger Covey, “Evidence plans mean more regular, structured and documented communication between all the organisations involved in large scale development. Surely that has to be a good thing.”
BRIGHT IDEAS SERIES The event was held as part of Royal HaskoningDHV’s Bright Ideas series of events.
PANEL AGREEMENT Paolo agrees “It’s clear from the start what needs to be done and how that will be achieved.”
KEY DIFFERENCES
One key point raised is if Evidence Plans represent anything really different from current structures? Particularly, as the panel shared the view that there is no clear advantage from saved time.
Royal HaskoningDHV Click to view more info
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
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