New EIA rules on developing land 'will have major impact' LANDOWNERS and developers need to be aware of changes made to the environmental impact assessment (EIA) regulations as they have implications that affect new developments and the use of virgin ground, says Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of Pam Golding Properties. According to Garlicke and Bousfield's environment planning and development group, the amendments relate mainly to activities that might have a detrimental effect on the environment and require an EIA to be completed beforehand. According to the environmental affairs and tourism ministry, these amendments are an interim measure to address inconsistencies and ambiguities that have emerged in the interpretation of the EIA regulations under the National Environmental Management Act of 1998. 'Of major interest is the amendment regarding development on the seashore,' says Golding. 'Previously, only structures below the high water mark of the sea required an EIA. However, now the erection, construction or upgrading of marinas, harbours and associated structures on inland waters require an EIA to be carried out. 'EIAs must now also be carried out for roads, railways, airfields and associated structures irrespective of whether they fall within a town planning scheme, whereas previously EIAs were not considered necessary if these fell within town planning schemes. 'In addition, EIAs are required before the cultivation or any other use of virgin ground - that is, land that in the preceding 10 years has not been cultivated. 'This has implications for any developer, farmer or landowner who intends using land that hasn't been used in the past 10 years. 'It also raises the question of whether one can determine if the land has been cultivated during the preceding 10 years.'
Publisher: Weekend Argus
Source: Weekend Argus
New EIA rules on developing land.
Posted On Sunday, 08 December 2002 02:00 Published by eProperty News
New EIA rules on developing land 'will have major impact' LANDOWNERS and developers need to be aware of changes made to the environmental impact assessment (EIA) regulations as they have implications that affect new developments.
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