Environmental Outcomes Report: The end of socio-economic impact assessments within EIA?

The government has confirmed the replacement of the EIA framework in favour of a new Environmental Outcomes Report (EOR). That means that, if the 2023 consultation is anything to go by, assessments of socio-economic effects will no longer be considered within EOR. Instead, in an attempt to streamline the process the reports will focus solely on environmental outcomes. Arguments in support of developments – i.e. economic benefits – will now only appear within the Planning Statement.

One of the key questions is whether the new framework will genuinely reduce the volume of assessment as intended or merely shift it into other areas, and will social impact assessment still get sufficient coverage?

From a planning perspective, how will the NPPF tests of sustainable development fare when environmental, social, and economic impacts are no longer considered together- especially against the backdrop of a government pushing hard for economic growth? The need to consider all three as part of the planning balance will surely remain.