There are a variety of impact assessments that a local authority may require as part of a planning application where there may be potential issues with how a proposal will affect the existing site and surrounding area.
The ‘Impact Assessments’ vary from the potential impact of a proposal on daylight and sunlight on surrounding properties, the conservation area in which the property falls within or lies next to, the impact of the historic fabric of a building if it is listed, transport and parking assessments, noise and odour assessment and viability issues.
The assessments are reviewed by the council and a successful assessment is one which the Council considers acceptable whereby there will overall not be an issue for the particular factor being assessed.
The Impact Assessments are prepared by either a professional town planner (planning consultant) or a relevant professional in that particular field e.g., transport engineer or acoustics consultant, depending on the complexity of the assessment.
A planning consultant will work with the professionals involved to ensure that the conclusions and findings of any relevant assessments comply with the national, regional and local planning policies.
If the planning case officer has any concerns over the assessment, a planning consultant will liaise with the professionals involved to resolve and concerns and issues.