Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations and Forestry
We have specific responsibilities under the Forestry (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017 for:
- afforestation (woodland creation)
- deforestation
- forest road works
- forestry quarry works
Where such projects could result in a significant impact on the environment then EIA consent and an EIA report will be required.
We will undertake an EIA screening opinion prior to a grant application. To enable us to do so, woodland creation proposals should include full details of afforestation, deforestation, forest roads and forestry quarries.
If in any doubt, it is advised that anyone considering a woodland creation proposal should seek guidance from Scottish Forestry to determine if their proposal will require a screening opinion and if so when to apply.
Apply for an EIA screening opinion
Prior Notification of forestry roads
Under planning legislation forestry roads are called “forestry private ways”.
The formation of forest roads within a woodland creation proposal, is likely to be subject to local Planning Authority control through the ‘Prior Notification of forestry private ways’ process.
This is administered by local Planning Authorities under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Order 2014 (SSI 2014 No. 300).
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Order 2014 (legislation.gov.uk)
This Order requires that prior to the formation or alteration of agricultural or forestry private ways, the developer or landowner must notify the relevant planning authority to ascertain if the proposal can be considered as permitted development or if prior approval is required.
This process is known as ‘prior notification’. You can read our Briefing Note 3 for specific guidance on this process.
Briefing note 3 - prior notification of forestry tracks/private ways
