1. We are WSP
  2. What we do
  3. Services
  4. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and Town Planning

Our environmental management and assessment team works with developers and infrastructure promoters to identify and manage the environmental and social effects of new infrastructure and development projects. Our innovative and pioneering approach to Future Ready Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) is in line with many of the requirements of emerging Environmental Outcomes Report (EOR) regimes. 

We can support you through options development, scheme assessment and design, consenting, and scheme implementation, working to secure positive environmental outcomes alongside operational priorities. We work collaboratively to make the environment an integral part of the scheme design, addressing risks from the outset.
WSP is the largest environmental consultancy in the world according to Environment Analyst
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WSP has been involved in more Development Consent Orders than any other consultancy since 2008
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By working with WSP you have access to a global team of 14,000 environmental specialists
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Together we create…development with the environment embedded from the start

Our environmental management and assessment specialists help shape new infrastructure and development to fit in: to protect the resources of land, air, water and nature, and the lives and cultures of the people that live and work in and around it.

Advice and support is provided to you at each stage of the consenting process – through inception, optioneering, design, planning, construction and operation – and for infrastructure and development of all sizes and sectors.

Our experts work with you to assess the social and environmental risks and impacts, devise solutions that address these impacts, secure wider gains, and then agree on measures for implementation. 

We then manage the assessment of potential environmental impacts by focusing on key effects and developing mitigation options to achieve a better fit for the new development. In addition to Environmental Impact Assessment, we advise on a range of other assessments.

This includes:

  • Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) of local authority and government plans and programmes,
  • Equality Impact Assessments (EqIA) and Health Impact Assessments (HIA) at both a strategic and individual project level,
  • Environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) internationally working to Equator Principles 4 (EP4) and Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standards.
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The WSP Experience

Our flexibility, responsiveness and curiosity helps us to operate collaboratively in supporting your projects and programmes through concept, planning, consultation and delivery from day one. Our specialist expertise, supported by trusted industry partners, gives us the experience needed to deliver insightful and resilient solutions. Our nationwide teams of environmental management and assessment professionals are supported by specialists across a variety of topics.

Moving towards Environmental Outcomes Reports (EOR)

The UK government is replacing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) with Environmental Outcome Reports (EORs). The new approach is designed to provide developers with greater certainty, reduce legal risks, and enhance the accessibility of environmental information. We’re supporting clients to understand this fundamental change replacing over thirty years of practice and case law.

Watch our webinar on Environmental Outcomes Reports
The proposed Environmental Outcomes Reports (EOR) regulations reflect many of the most pressing and urgent aspects of reform to environmental assessment. This includes better alignment between the strategic and project scale, navigable reports, more interactive and accessible information, robust mitigation and assurance through monitoring. It will help deliver environmental outcomes that meet national objectives.

WSP is the UK’s leading planning and consenting specialist

WSP is the UK’s leading planning and consenting consultant with over 500 specialists in planning, environmental assessment, land services and stakeholder engagement.

This comprehensive set of services gives us the insight and experience to help develop, negotiate and deliver your consenting needs. Find out about our core services: 

Data expertise, insight, and security

Advanced data analysis and artificial intelligence are now being used as part of environmental assessment. This technology revolutionises assessment processes, making them more accessible and proportionate for local planning authorities, communities, and stakeholders. We work with you and provide tools to efficiently collect, manage, and present data to provide insight to stakeholders and communities. 

Virtual Room

ConnectALL Virtual Environment

A 3D digital showcase that replicates a community consultation, including important documentation, mapping outputs, videos, and links.

Digital Documentation

Digital EIA

We develop digital EIAs that are making the planning system more accessible for local planning authorities, communities and stakeholders.

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Experts in Digital and Data

Learn more about our wider digital capabilities to drive insight and effectiveness across your project lifecycle from advisory to delivery.

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Digital Environmental Impact Assessments

Environmental impact assessments identify the key environmental and social effects of infrastructure and development.

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Seven steps for Future Ready Environment Impact Assessment

As the UK government prioritises building better, greener and faster, Nick Giesler reflects on the seven key steps to more effective environmental impact assessment as part of planning transformative infrastructure.

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Stranoch Wind Farm EIA Planning

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Hear it from our people

Professionals from across the industry have developed their careers at in the Environmental Management and Assessment team. Here is what they have to say…

Emily Astins

"I began at WSP as a Placement Student in Exeter, focusing on Environmental Management. After completing my Master’s degree, I returned as a Graduate Consultant. I've gained experience in Environmental Assessments and project coordination, with opportunities in sectors like highways and energy."

Emily Astins
Graduate Consultant

Liv Woodhead

“At WSP I’ve had the opportunity to Project Manage complex multi-disciplinary projects from optioneering through to EIA delivery, including attending consultation events at various stages of the process. Collaborating with EIA professionals and technical specialists across the UK is a particular highlight of my projects.”

Liv Woodhead
Senior Consultant

Ben Quilter

“I joined WSP in 2022 as a Graduate EIA Consultant, supporting projects from offshore wind to public realm improvements. Soon after, I became the Assistant Project Manager for two aviation schemes, handling tasks like team coordination and report writing. I appreciate the trust and responsibility given to me early in my career.“

Ben Quilter
Assistant Consultant