Remediation and EIA’s

Save Britain’s Heritage –v- Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government – 25 March 2011 Court of Appeal [Civil Division] EWCA CIV 334

A recent landmark ruling of the Court of Appeal in the above case determined that demolition of buildings is considered to be a “project”, for the purposes of EIA Directive 85/337/EEC, and hence, an Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”)  has to be undertaken before planning approval can be granted.

Whilst this ruling may have important consequences for the demolition fraternity will we soon see EIA being required for remediation works…?  Another remediation expense…!