THE GOVERNMENT'S failure to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before planning permission was granted for a huge commercial development in White City has landed it in the dock for the second time in as many months.
The European Commission has announced the start of legal proceedings against the UK in the European Court of Justice over the White City development, which involves the construction of a 60,000 sq m shopping and leisure centre and 4,500 parking spaces.
The decision will be an embarrassment for the Government, which is already facing a similar challenge over a now-withdrawn application to build a multi-screen cinema in Crystal Palace park.
London's Green MEP Jean Lambert commented: "I welcome the Commission's decision to use the courts to ensure environmental factors are considered before decisions are taken on any major development, as the law requires.
"That this is the second such case to be announced in as many months shows the planning system is now in turmoil. The Government has to decide whether to face repeated legal challenges and enormous fines or reform UK planning law in line with agreed European standards."
Environment Commissioner Margot Wallstrom said: "Impact assessment is a key tool for achieving sustainable development across Europe. I urge [the Government] to make adequate provision for it in their legislation and practice."
Mrs Lambert added: "The effects of this decision could be far-reaching. If the Government wishes to avoid costly and embarrassing legal cases it must adopt best-practice and give local planning officers the training and resources they need to carry out an EIA whenever a major development is proposed - and whenever such proposals change.
"The Government must address this in its on-going review of planning law. It now has an opportunity to empower local authorities to consider the impact of development on their local communities, and even to enable them to question whether there is a need for developments on this scale in the first place.
"Taking this opportunity would achieve three important goals: giving local people a bigger voice in the planning process, avoiding costly and embarrassing legal challenges, and ensuring developers take account of their effect on local environments."
ENDS
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