Turley Associates is one of the UK's first planning and urban
design consultancies to be awarded a new quality mark for
Environmental Impact Assessments.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Quality Mark, awarded
by the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment
(IEMA), was given to Turley Associates on Monday 18 April, the very
day the new quality mark was launched.
Matthew Sheppard, Head of EIA at Turley Associates said: "The
EIA Quality Mark is important third party recognition of our
capabilities in Environmental Assessment work and we are thrilled
to have been awarded the mark on the day of its creation. Turley
Associates is just one of a very small handful of planning
consultancies who hold this accreditation."
Environmental Impact Assessments are required under EU and UK
law for planning applications where there is likely to be
significant impact on the environment. They are independent
assessments of the environmental effects arising from a development
project, and encompass various technical assessments often
including noise, air quality, visual impact, socio-economic
effects, archaeology and transport. The EIA report sits alongside
other documents in support of a planning application and is usually
required for larger and more complex developments.
Matthew adds: "We will typically bring in trusted specialist
consultants to deliver a commercially realistic and competent
assessment. The EIA Quality Mark is important to us and to our
clients as it shows we do more than meet the bare regulatory
requirements. It shows that we are consistently producing the
highest quality work and adopting best practice measures, whilst
making sure we are focussing our efforts on what is genuinely
needed to enable a fair assessment and a positive planning
decision."
Environmental Impact Assessments are also an important document
for land owners and developers looking to promote larger or more
complex schemes. Matthew explains: "EIA has been the cause of
numerous planning permissions being quashed, and is a fertile
ground for objectors seeking to frustrate development. Using an
accredited consultant will help guard against claims and thereby
protect the investments made in larger planning applications."
Turley Associates has led EIAs for many diverse projects
including the expansion of Durham Tees Valley Airport, the
redevelopment of the Terry's Chocolate Factory in York, new stadium
for Liverpool Football Club in Anfield, and Princesshay shopping
centre in Exeter.