Environmental Impact Assessment / Environmental Statement

At Raincloud, we provide specialist Water Environment support for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) across England, Scotland and Wales. We work with developers, planning consultants, architects and infrastructure providers to assess potential impacts on the water environment and prepare robust Environmental Statement (ES) chapters that support successful planning outcomes.

Our experienced team delivers clear, evidence-based assessments covering hydrology, hydrogeology, flood risk, drainage, water quality, private water supplies and Water Framework Directive (WFD) considerations. We produce policy-compliant Water Environment chapters that identify potential effects, develop appropriate mitigation measures and demonstrate how water-related impacts can be managed throughout the development lifecycle.

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What is an Environmental Impact Assessment?

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process used to identify, assess and manage the likely significant environmental effects of a proposed development before planning permission is granted.

 The purpose of an EIA is to ensure that decision-makers, statutory consultees and local communities understand the potential environmental impacts of a project and the measures proposed to avoid, reduce or mitigate those effects.

 The findings of the assessment are presented within an Environmental Statement (ES), which forms part of the planning application.

When is an Environmental Impact Assessment required?

An Environmental Impact Assessment is required when a proposed development is likely to have significant effects on the environment due to its size, nature or location.

 Examples of developments that commonly require an EIA include:

 ·        Large residential developments

·        Solar farms

·        Battery energy storage systems (BESS)

·        Commercial and industrial developments

·        Waste management facilities

·        Mineral extraction sites

·        Major infrastructure projects

·        Urban expansion schemes

 Where there is uncertainty, developers can request an EIA Screening Opinion from the Local Planning Authority to determine whether an EIA is required.

What is an Environmental Statement?

An Environmental Statement is required when a development has been determined to need an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

 Where uncertainty exists, developers can seek an EIA Screening Opinion from the Local Planning Authority. If the authority concludes that EIA is required, an Environmental Statement must be submitted alongside the planning application.

What is included in an Environmental Statement?

An Environmental Statement (ES) is typically prepared by a team of specialist consultants, each responsible for assessing specific environmental topics relevant to the proposed development.

The assessments undertaken will depend on the nature, scale and location of the project.

 At Raincloud, hydrology and water environment assessments is our core specialism. Our consultants prepare robust technical chapters for Environmental Statements, helping developers identify water-related constraints early, design effective mitigation measures and satisfy planning and regulatory requirements.

Our Environmental Impact Assessment Expertise

  • Hydrology and Hydrogeology

  • Water Resources & Demand

  • Water Framework Directive

  • Water Quality & Pollution

  • Flood Risk & Drainage

  • Private Water Supply Risk Assessment

  • Watercourse Crossing Inventory

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • The quickest way to determine whether you your development requires an EIA is through an EIA Screening Assessment.

    Several factors influence whether an Environmental Impact Assessment is required, including:

    • Size of development

    • Site location

    • Potential Environmental Effects

    • Cumulative Effects

  • The duration of an Environmental Impact Assessment depends on the complexity of the development and the scope of environmental studies required.

    Most EIA programmes include:

    • Screening

    • Scoping

    • Baseline surveys and data collection

    • Impact assessment

    • Mitigation design

    • Environmental Statement preparation

    • Planning submission

  • An Environmental Statement should be started as early as possible in the development process.

    Ideally, environmental specialists should be involved during site selection and concept design so that potential constraints can be identified before planning applications are prepared.

     Many environmental surveys and assessments require significant lead-in times, particularly where seasonal ecological surveys or complex hydraulic modelling are needed.

    For developments with potential impacts on rivers, flood risk, drainage or water quality, engaging hydrology and water environment consultants at the earliest opportunity can help ensure environmental issues are addressed before they become obstacles to planning consent.

  • At Raincloud, our consultants specialise in preparing Environmental Statement chapters relating to the water environment and supporting developers throughout the planning process.

     Whether you are developing a housing development, large scale solar farm, commercial scheme or major infrastructure project, our team can provide proportionate, technically robust assessments that support planning applications and help manage environmental risk.

     Get in touch via our contact form or email hello@raincloud-consulting.co.uk and we will provide a free, clear and competitive fixed-fee quotation with no hidden costs.