Part 1Environmental assessment for plans and programmes
I17Exemptions: pre-screening
1
A plan or programme of a description set out in section 5(4) is exempt if the responsible authority is of the opinion that the plan or programme will have—
a
no effect; or
b
minimal effect,
in relation to the environment.
2
In considering whether or not it is of the opinion described in subsection (1), the responsible authority shall apply the criteria specified in schedule 2.
3
If a responsible authority is of the opinion described in subsection (1), it shall notify the consultation authorities of that fact as soon as practicable.
4
A notification under subsection (3) shall also include the following information—
a
the title of the plan or programme;
b
the date of the opinion; and
c
a brief description of the plan or programme, including the area or location to which the plan or programme relates.
5
The Scottish Ministers shall arrange for a register to be kept of any notifications under subsection (3).
6
The register kept under subsection (5)—
a
shall be available for public inspection—
i
at any reasonable time; and
ii
at such place as the Scottish Ministers may direct;
b
may include such other information in relation to a plan or programme as the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate.
7
The information contained in the register may also be made available, for the purpose of facilitating public access to that information, by such means (including by means of display on a website) as the Scottish Ministers think fit.
8
The Scottish Ministers may by order modify schedule 2.