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EIA
At LDA Design, EIA isn’t seen as just an environmental assessment tool, it is an iterative design process that is applied from the very outset of a project through early engagement and fostering good working relationships with stakeholders and specialists.
Our experience spans mixed-use residential developments from between 200 and 3,000 homes, commercial and leisure developments such as Center Parcs through to large infrastructure projects including renewable energy schemes (wind and solar), ports and energy from waste and power stations.
We have extensive experience within both the Town and Country Planning and National Significant Infrastructure Planning regimes. In recognition of our approach to EIA, the institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) invited us to author an industry Guidance Note which promotes the role of EIA as a design tool, titled Shaping Quality Development.
We are able to offer a wide range of environmental disciplines in house, enabling us to take a broader view of spatial masterplanning and identify potential conflicts and opportunities.
EIA is designed to help us understand the impacts of new development on the environment. It can be complex. Cutting through this complexity is critical if we are to make fully informed decisions that deliver lasting benefits.
We led the first DCO project in the UK promoting a large Energy from Waste facility for Covanta Energy. We were responsible for the EIA and public consultation, as well as design. Our approach was fundamental in evolving the design and form of the building so that it responded to its environmental context. The project was an early precedent for subsequent National Infrastructure Projects.
At Waterbeach (pictured), EIA played a key role in bringing together the heritage, ecology, landscape and drainage opportunities to create a distinctive sense of place. The masterplan not only mitigates the environmental constraints but provides environmental enhancements. This was only possible through taking a holistic design approach to EIA.
In Purfleet for example, the expansion of the Purfleet Thames Terminal required additional land take. Our proposals were careful to balance an increase in port capacity and throughput with environmental impacts and local benefits. These included new jobs, environmental improvements and better connectivity for active travel.
Our design response to the port boundaries provided a successful transition into the residential areas and a newly located gateway diverted port traffic away from homes. We secured outline planning consent.
Contact Rob Pile to discuss how we can help.
