PART 3APPLYING FOR INFRASTRUCTURE CONSENT

Application procedure

37Marine impact reports

1

If the draft order submitted with an application for infrastructure consent contains provision for a deemed marine licence Natural Resources Wales must respond to a notice given under section 34(2)(b) by submitting a marine impact report in respect of the application to the Welsh Ministers before the deadline specified in the notice.

2

The Welsh Ministers may direct Natural Resources Wales to submit a marine impact report in respect of an application for infrastructure consent and Natural Resources Wales must submit the report within the deadline specified in the direction.

3

Natural Resources Wales may submit a marine impact report in respect of an application for infrastructure consent otherwise than in response to a notice given under section 34(2)(b) or a direction given under subsection (2) before the deadline specified in publicity under section 34(3).

4

In this Act, a marine impact report in respect of an application is a report in writing that—

a

gives details of the likely impact of the proposed development on the marine environment, and

b

complies with requirements specified in regulations about the form and content of a marine impact report.

5

In this section, “the marine environment” includes—

a

the natural beauty or amenity of marine or coastal areas (including their geological or physiographical features);‍

b

flora and fauna which are dependent on, or associated with, a marine or coastal environment.