The consultation sets out details for how Scottish Ministers propose to bring the requirements of European Directive 2014/52/EU, known as the Environmental Impact Assessment or ‘EIA’ Directive into Scottish legislation.

The EIA Directive requires an assessment of the effects of certain projects on the environment before a development consent can be granted. The new Directive amends the current EIA Directive 2011/92/EU, however the aim remains the same, to provide a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation of projects with a view to reduce their impact on the environment.