Form

Apply for a screening decision: restructuring rural land (form EIA1a)

Use this form to apply for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Agriculture) screening decision for projects that will restructure rural land.

• From: Natural England
• Published: 7 August 2014
• Last updated: 30 January 2024 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Form EIA1a: apply for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Agriculture) screening decision

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Supplementary sheet EIA (Agriculture): project area details

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Details

Before you complete this form, read the guidance on Changing uncultivated, semi-natural and rural land: when you need permission. 

You must get a screening decision if you’re planning a project that will physically restructure rural land by:  

• changing field boundaries that cover a total length of 4km or more outside a sensitive area or 2km or more in a sensitive area 
• adding, removing or redistributing earth or other material if it affects a volume of 10,000m³ or more or it affects an area of 100ha or more outside a sensitive area
• adding, removing or redistributing earth or other material if it affects a volume of 5,000m³ or more or it affects an area of 50ha or more in a sensitive area 

You’ll need to provide: 

• a complete EIA1a form  
• a map of the project area  
• copies of consultation responses – use the appropriate consultation response template
• an EIA agent authorisation form if you want to authorise an agent to act on your behalf 

If you do not provide enough information about the project, Natural England may:

• request more information from you
• request that you undertake a consultation
• be unable to make a screening decision

After you’ve submitted your application, Natural England will assess it and decide whether:   

• the work can go ahead  
• you need apply for a consent decision before the project can begin  

If you’re planning a project that will increase the productivity of uncultivated land or semi-natural areas, use form EIA1 instead.     

Submit this form   

 Submit your form by email: eia.england@naturalengland.org.uk       

You can also send your form by post: 

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Agriculture) Unit
Natural England
Horizon House
Deanery Road
Bristol 
BS1 5AH     

If you need help with this form, email eia.england@naturalengland.org.uk or call 0800 028 2140 (freephone).

Published 7 August 2014
Last updated 30 January 2024 + show all updates

1. 30 January 2024

   The EIA1a form has changed. It has been simplified and can be completed digitally rather than by hand, if preferred. The EIA past management supplementary information sheet and Environmental Screening Report (ESR) template have been removed.

2. 14 March 2018

   Added the Environmental Screening Report (ESR) template

3. 13 August 2014

   Change to form title.

4. 7 August 2014

   First published.