HC Deb 21 May 2002 vol 386 cc219-20W
Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) if the circular 18/84 proposed development procedures require a Government Department to provide an environmental impact assessment for a development that is within Schedules 1 or 2 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999; [57342]

(2) if he will make a statement on the compatibility of Circular 18/84, Development by Government Departments, with European directives on environmental impact assessments. [57340]

Ms Keeble

The position on environmental impact assessment in relation to Crown development is detailed in paragraph 157 of DETR Circular 02/99. Environmental impact assessment is required for all proposed development falling within Annexe I to the EIA directive, as amended, and for proposed development falling within Annexe II if it is likely to have a significant effect on the environment. A Crown body proposing such development will submit an environmental statement to the local planning authority when consulting it under the arrangements set out in Part IV of the Memorandum to Circular 18/84.