16th February 2007, 02:48 PM
Posted by Troll:
Paper copies of the ES are normally made available in libraries, council offices etc. Members of the public can also ask for a copy of their own - although they can be charged the cost of production, which may be very high.
There is an increasing move towards electronic publishing of Environmental Statements specifically to reduce the cost of providing extra copies on request, thereby making public access easier. Instead of anything up to 1000 pages of paper, you get a CD with a PDF on it. Cost of production - virtually nil.
In addition, there is often public consultation at earlier stages, although if you don't live locally you may not know about this.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished
Quote:quote:Unfortunately, in a commercial environment, members of the public don`t gain access to that level of detail.Actually, they do. By law, all Environmental Statements must be made available to the public, and the 'competent authority' (usually the local council) has to publicise them in the local area. The Highways Agency puts the Non-Technical Summary of all its Environmental Statements onto its website, and sometimes the whole report. Some Councils (e.g. Lincolnshire County Council) do this as well.
Paper copies of the ES are normally made available in libraries, council offices etc. Members of the public can also ask for a copy of their own - although they can be charged the cost of production, which may be very high.
There is an increasing move towards electronic publishing of Environmental Statements specifically to reduce the cost of providing extra copies on request, thereby making public access easier. Instead of anything up to 1000 pages of paper, you get a CD with a PDF on it. Cost of production - virtually nil.
In addition, there is often public consultation at earlier stages, although if you don't live locally you may not know about this.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished