The environmental impact assessment screening request was made by the club in July, to determine if the project needed a formal environmental impact assessment.
[As reported, this gave the first concrete look at what the club planned to do with the stadium.](https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/25295809.details-revealed-afc-bournemouths-vitality-stadium-plans/)
The EIA screening was needed to decide if the project was likely to have a significant effect on the environment – if this was the case, a full assessment would have been needed.
But BCP Council have determined that this is not necessary, meaning the Cherries can progress with their planning application as planned.
_(Image: Steven Paston/PA Wire)_ A response to the application from Frances Summers, senior planning officer on strategic applications, concluded: “The Local Planning Authority has assessed the characteristics of the potential impacts in accordance with Schedule 3 of the EIA Regulations, and further detail of these is reported in the screening matrix below.
“It is considered unlikely that the proposal would result in significant effects that would not be localised, or which could not be dealt with as part of any future planning application assessment.
“Consequently, it is considered that the proposed development would not be EIA Development.”
A statement from the club to the Daily Echo said: “AFC Bournemouth welcomes the decision by BCP Council confirming that the proposed redevelopment of Vitality Stadium does not constitute an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) development.
“It confirms that any environmental impacts are expected to be localised and manageable and that the redevelopment is capable of proceeding with minimal disruption to the surrounding community and environment.
_(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)_ “This is an important milestone for the project and we remain focussed on delivering a high-quality stadium upgrade.
“We are committed to responsible development and a range of relevant environmental considerations and mitigation solutions will be addressed through future planning applications.
“We look forward to continuing to work with BCP Council and our stakeholders to deliver a stadium that enhances the matchday experience, supports community engagement, and contributes positively to the local area.”
While the application received a number of comments from the public, including those of support and letters of objection, these were not considered as ‘this type of application does not invite public responses’, the council’s response said.
More details on what the club is planning for Dean Court were exclusively revealed to the Daily Echo last month, including a new south stand with a capacity of 7,000, filling in the corners and building a new fan zone.