16.09.2026
Earlier this year, we explored the Government's announcement that Environmental Outcomes Reports (EORs) will replace the current EIA and SEA regimes by the end of 2027. As the reform agenda continues to evolve, the focus is increasingly turning to how EORs will reshape environmental assessment, project delivery and decision-making across the planning system.
As DHA welcomes Toby Andrews as our new Head of EIA, we consider what the changes could mean for developers and how project teams can prepare.
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Environmental assessment in England is approaching its most significant change in a generation. The Government has confirmed that Environmental Outcomes Reports (EORs) will replace the existing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system by the end of 2027. Introduced through the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act (LURA), the reforms will apply to planning applications, nationally significant infrastructure projects and the environmental assessment of plans and programmes.
Environmental Statements have become increasingly lengthy and complex, making it harder for communities and decision-makers to identify a development’s key environmental effects.
The proposed EOR system aims to make assessment clearer, more proportionate and focused on measurable outcomes. Its priorities include:
Detailed regulations and guidance are still to come, with pilot projects and worked examples expected. Until the new regime is introduced, the current EIA Regulations remain in force.
The aim is to reduce duplication and move away from lengthy documents. Projects will still need underlying baseline information, robust technical evidence and effective coordination between technical disciplines. Clear plans for delivering and monitoring mitigation will also be required. Early environmental input will remain essential to identify risks, inform design and avoid abortive work.
EORs form part of wider environmental reforms. The Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 has introduced Environmental Delivery Plans and the Nature Restoration Fund. Where an Environmental Delivery Plan applies, developers may be able to pay a levy towards strategic conservation measures instead of providing project-specific assessment and mitigation for the issue covered.
These measures will sit alongside wider environmental assessment requirements, Biodiversity Net Gain and other obligations. Together, they signal a more strategic, data-led and outcomes-focused approach to environmental planning.
Strengthening DHA’s EIA leadership
Toby Andrews joins DHA Planning as Head of EIA, bringing over 25 years’ experience having worked on a range of major schemes both in the UK and internationally. He will lead DHA’s EIA team and work alongside our town planning, transport planning, environmental and development viability specialists.
Commenting on the reforms, Toby said
“Environmental Outcomes Reports present an opportunity to improve how environmental considerations shape development. Their success will depend on clear outcomes, reliable evidence and environmental specialists being involved from the earliest stages of a project.”
DHA provides full EIA strategy and coordination services ranging from project screening and scoping through to lead-authoring and technical coordination of Environmental Statements for planning. We can support projects nationally and across sectors including urban regeneration, large-scale residential, commercial, data centres, education, energy, infrastructure and public-sector.
For advice on whether a project requires EIA, or how to manage environmental risks from the outset, please contact Toby .
Thank you for getting in touch. We will be in contact shortly.