EIA Screening Direction from Secretary of State for Ambulance Operating Base

About the project

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is preparing a planning application for a new main operating base at Exeter Skypark. This site is a critical location for the ambulance service to deliver fast response across the South West, providing easy access to Exeter and the M5. Engain was retained by SWASFT to provide advice on the requirements for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under the EIA Regulations (2017). The proposals fall within Schedule 2 EIA projects, which are discretionary and require local authority decision. The local planning authority, taking a precautionary approach, had already deemed that EIA would be required. We quickly reviewed all of the documentation and evidence, and rapidly assessed the project against key EIA criteria. It became apparent that the proposals were unlikely to cause significant environmental effects.

Challenges and objectives

A full EIA would put this project at risk of achieving development, both in terms of costs and additional timescale for EIA completion.

Although the proposal is sited at Exeter Skypark, which already has outline planning consent for a variety of commercial and industrial uses, the council felt EIA was necessary to ensure that the environment would be protected and the Council would be performing its legal duties.

Other stakeholders, such as Natural England and the Environment Agency, however, had been consulted by the local authority, and although their advice was precautionary they did not advise that the proposal would require EIA.

For a definitive resolution Engain recommended a Screening Direction from the Secretary of State and we provided the comprehensive Screening Report to inform this decision.

Achievements

Within a few weeks the Secretary of State had confirmed no EIA was required, and that all matters should be dealt with through local planning.

SWASFT is committed to protecting the environment through development of this site, and their application for the Ambulance Main Operating Base at Exeter Skypark will include details of how construction and its operation will limit potential impacts to the surrounding environment and neighbours.

SWASFT said: “Engain provided us with a comprehensive and timely response to this complex situation, and achieved an excellent result for us. Their level of professional experience and adept engagement with the statutory parties has helped us to turn this situation around so that we can focus on the details of planning and scheduling of the development.

Partners & Stakeholders

South Western Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT)

Secretary of State, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Environment Agency

Natural England

East Devon District Council

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