The Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017

PART 2 E+W Environmental impact assessment

CHAPTER 1 E+W General

Environmental impact assessment required for EIA development E+W

6.  Where an application is made for a section 36 or 37 consent, or a section 36 variation, for EIA development, the relevant authority must not grant the application unless an environmental impact assessment has been undertaken in respect of the development.

Environmental impact assessment E+W

7.—(1) An environmental impact assessment means a process consisting of—

(a) the preparation of an EIA report in accordance with regulation 17 by a person (the “developer”) applying for a section 36 or 37 consent, or a section 36 variation, for EIA development and the provision by the developer to the relevant authority of the EIA report and any further environmental information;

(b) the compliance with the obligations under regulations 22 to 31 that apply in each individual case by the developer and the other persons on whom those obligations are imposed;

(c) the examination by the relevant authority of—

(i) the EIA report;

(ii) any further environmental information; and

(iii) any additional environmental information;.

(d) the reasoned conclusion by the relevant authority on the significant effects of the development on the environment, taking into account the results of—

(i) the examination referred to in sub-paragraph (c); and

(ii) where appropriate, the relevant authority's own supplementary examination; and

(e) the inclusion of the relevant authority's reasoned conclusion in the decision notice required by regulation 33.

(2) The environmental impact assessment must identify, describe and assess in an appropriate manner, in light of each individual case, the direct and indirect significant effects of the development on the following factors—

(a) population and human health;

(b) biodiversity (for example, fauna and flora), with particular attention to habitats and species protected under [F1 any law of any part of the United Kingdom that implemented] the Habitats Directive or the Wild Birds Directive;

(c) land (for example, land take), soil (for example, organic matter, erosion, compaction, sealing), water (for example, hydromorphological changes, quantity and quality), air and climate (for example, greenhouse gas emissions, impacts relevant to adaptation);

(d) material assets, cultural heritage (including architectural and archaeological aspect) and the landscape;

(e) the interaction between the factors referred to in sub-paragraphs (a) to (d).

(3) The effects to be identified, described and assessed under paragraph (2) must include—

(a) the operational effects of the development, where the development will have operational effects;

(b) the expected effects arising from the vulnerability of the development to the risks of major accidents and disasters that are relevant to the development.

(4) The relevant authority must ensure that it has, or has access to, sufficient expertise for the purpose of conducting the examination referred to in paragraph (1)(c) or any supplementary examination.

(5) When granting an application referred to in paragraph (1)(a), the relevant authority must be satisfied that the reasoned conclusion referred to in paragraph (1)(d) is up to date.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in reg. 7(2)(b) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Pipe-lines, Petroleum, Electricity Works and Oil Stocking (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1325), regs. 1(1), 10(2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Co-ordination of environmental impact assessment with Habitats Regulations assessment E+W

8.—(1) Where in relation to EIA development there is, in addition to the requirement to undertake an environmental impact assessment under these Regulations, also a requirement to undertake a Habitats Regulations assessment, the relevant authority must, where appropriate, ensure that the environmental impact assessment and the Habitats Regulations assessment are co-ordinated.

(2) In this regulation, “Habitats Regulations assessment” means an assessment under [F2 regulation 28 of the Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017] or [F3 regulation 63 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017].

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in reg. 8(2) substituted (30.11.2017) by The Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1013), reg. 1, Sch. 4 para. 20(2) (with regs. 3, 4(2))

F3 Words in reg. 8(2) substituted (30.11.2017) by The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1012), reg. 1(2), Sch. 6 para. 81(2)

Procedure when application for Schedule 1 development, etc. not accompanied by EIA report or request for scoping opinion E+W

9.—(1) This regulation applies where an application for a section 36 or 37 consent, or a section 36 variation, for—

(a) development of a description set out in Schedule 1; or

(b) development in respect of which the relevant authority has made a screening decision that the development is EIA development,

is not accompanied by an EIA report or a request for a scoping opinion under regulation 18.

(2) As soon as reasonably practicable after receiving the application, the relevant authority must notify the person (the “developer”) making the application in writing that, unless the developer within 21 days after receiving the notification either informs the relevant authority in writing that the developer intends to provide an EIA report or requests a scoping opinion under regulation 18, the application will be refused.

(3) If the developer does not so inform the relevant authority or make such a request within that period, the relevant authority must refuse the application.

CHAPTER 2 E+W Screening decisions

Developer may request screening decision before making application E+W

10.—(1) A person (the “developer”) who intends to make an application for a section 36 or 37 consent, or a section 36 variation, for development may request the relevant authority to make a screening decision.

(2) A request under paragraph (1) must be accompanied by—

(a) the information referred to in regulation 12; and

(b) a plan of the site of the development.

(3) On receiving a request under paragraph (1), the relevant authority must make a screening decision in respect of the development.

(4) But if the request is not accompanied by all the information referred to in regulation 12 or a plan of the site of the development, the relevant authority must, within 21 days after the date on which the relevant authority receives the request, notify the developer in writing of the omission (and paragraph (3) does not apply until the omitted material is provided).

When relevant authority must or may make screening decision after application made E+W

11.—(1) This regulation applies where a person (the “developer”) makes an application for a section 36 or 37 consent, or a section 36 variation, for the following development (other than development in respect of which the relevant authority has made a screening decision that the development is EIA development)—

(a) development of a description set out in Schedule 2;

(b) other development (but not development of a description set out in Schedule 1).

(2) If the application is for development referred to in paragraph (1)(a) and is not accompanied by an EIA report, the relevant authority must make a screening decision in respect of the development before dealing further with the application.

(3) But the relevant authority is not required to make a screening decision if, before the screening decision is made, the developer provides an EIA report to the relevant authority.

(4) If the application is for development referred to in paragraph (1)(b), the relevant authority may decide, having regard to the criteria set out in Schedule 3, to make a screening decision in respect of the development before determining the application.

(5) Where the relevant authority is required, or decides, to make a screening decision under this regulation, the relevant authority must—

(a) notify the developer in writing that the relevant authority will make a screening decision; and

(b) unless the developer has already done so, request the developer to provide the information referred to in regulation 12.

(6) If the relevant authority makes a screening decision under this regulation that the development for which the application is made is EIA development—

(a) when sending the screening decision to the developer, the relevant authority must notify the developer in writing that, unless the developer within 21 days after receiving the notification either informs the relevant authority in writing that the developer intends to provide an EIA report or requests a scoping opinion under regulation 18, the application will be refused;

(b) if the developer does not so inform the relevant authority or make such a request within that period, the relevant authority must refuse the application.

Screening decisions: information to be provided by developer E+W

12.—(1) The information to be provided by the developer is—

(a) a description of the development, including in particular—

(i) a description of the physical characteristics of the whole development and, where relevant, of demolition works;

(ii) a description of the location of the development, with particular regard to the environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected;

(b) a description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the development;

(c) a description of any likely significant effects, to the extent of the information available on such effects, of the development resulting from—

(i) the expected residues and emissions and the production of waste, where relevant;

(ii) the use of natural resources, in particular soil, land, water and biodiversity.

(2) The developer must take into account the criteria set out in Schedule 3, where relevant, when compiling the information referred to in paragraph (1).

(3) When providing information under paragraph (1)—

(a) the developer must take into account, where relevant, the available results of other relevant assessments of the effects on the environment undertaken under requirements imposed in accordance with [F4 retained EU law other than any law that implemented] the EIA Directive;

(b) the developer may also provide a description of any features of the development and measures envisaged to avoid or prevent what might otherwise be significant adverse effects on the environment.

Textual Amendments

F4 Words in reg. 12(3)(a) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pipe-lines, Petroleum, Electricity Works and Oil Stocking (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1325), regs. 1(1), 10(3); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Screening decisions: consultation with local planning authority E+W

13.—(1) This regulation and regulations 14 to 16 apply where the relevant authority—

(a) is required to make a screening decision following a request under regulation 10; or

(b) is required, or decides, to make a screening decision under regulation 11 on receipt of an application for a section 36 or 37 consent or a section 36 variation.

(2) The relevant authority must within 14 days after the date on which the relevant authority receives the information referred to in regulation 12 (and, where paragraph (1)(a) applies, a plan of the site of the development) consult—

(a) every local planning authority for the area in which the development will be carried out; or

(b) if the development will be carried out in relevant waters, any local planning authority that the relevant authority thinks appropriate,

as to its views on whether or not an environmental impact assessment should be undertaken in respect of the development.

(3) Paragraph (2) does not apply in relation to a local planning authority if the developer has already provided that local planning authority's views to the relevant authority.

(4) The local planning authority must give its views (if any) to the relevant authority within—

(a) 21 days after the date on which the local planning authority receives a request under paragraph (2); or

(b) any longer period notified in writing by the relevant authority, which must not end more than 28 days after the date on which the 21-day period referred to in sub-paragraph (a) ends.

Screening decisions: timing E+W

14.—(1) The relevant authority must make a screening decision within—

(a) 21 days after the later of the following dates—

(i) the date on which the relevant authority receives the information referred to in regulation 12 (and, where relevant, a plan of the site of the development); and

(ii) the latest date by which a local planning authority is required to give its views under regulation 13 or, if earlier, the date on which the relevant authority receives the last of those views; or

(b) any longer period that may be agreed in writing with the developer.

(2) But in an exceptional case (for example, relating to the nature, complexity, location or size of the development), the relevant authority may extend the date by which it is required to make a screening decision by notifying the developer in writing of the new date and the reason for the extension.

Screening decisions: general E+W

15.—(1) The relevant authority must make a screening decision on the basis of the information provided by the developer, taking account, where relevant, of—

(a) the criteria set out in Schedule 3;

(b) the results of assessments of the effects of the environment of the development undertaken under requirements imposed in accordance with [F5 retained EU law other than any law that implemented] the EIA Directive; and

(c) the views (if any) of every local planning authority consulted.

(2) If the relevant authority thinks that the development is likely to have significant effects on the environment, the relevant authority must make a screening decision that the development is EIA development.

(3) The relevant authority must send the screening decision to the developer as soon as reasonably practicable after it is made.

(4) If the screening decision is that the development is EIA development, the screening decision must state the main reasons for the decision by reference to the criteria set out in Schedule 3.

(5) If the screening decision is that the development is not EIA development, the screening decision must state—

(a) the main reasons for the decision by reference to the criteria set out in Schedule 3; and

(b) any features of the development and measures envisaged to avoid or prevent what might otherwise be significant adverse effects on the environment.

Textual Amendments

F5 Words in reg. 15(1)(b) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pipe-lines, Petroleum, Electricity Works and Oil Stocking (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1325), regs. 1(1), 10(3); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Screening decisions: publicity E+W

16.—(1) As soon as reasonably practicable after sending the screening decision to the developer, the relevant authority must send a copy to—

(a) every local planning authority for the area in which the development will be carried out; or

(b) if the development will be carried out in relevant waters, any local planning authority that the relevant authority thinks appropriate.

(2) Where a local planning authority that keeps the planning register receives a copy of the screening decision, the local planning authority must ensure that a copy is available for public inspection at all reasonable hours at the place where the planning register is kept for at least 2 years after the date on which the screening decision is made.

(3) The relevant authority must ensure that a copy of the screening decision is able to be accessed by the public free of charge at a website maintained by or on behalf of the relevant authority for at least 2 years after the date on which the screening decision is made.

CHAPTER 3 E+W EIA reports

EIA report: requirements E+W

17.—(1) For the purposes of these Regulations, an EIA report is a report prepared by the person (the “developer”) applying for a section 36 or 37 consent, or a section 36 variation, for development that includes at least the following information—

(a) a description of the development comprising information on the location, design, size and other relevant features of the development;

(b) a description of the likely significant effects of the development on the environment;

(c) a description of the features of the development and any measures envisaged in order to avoid, prevent or reduce and, if possible, offset likely significant adverse effects on the environment;

(d) a description of the reasonable alternatives studied by the developer that are relevant to the development and its specific characteristics, and an indication of the main reasons for the option chosen, taking into account the effects of the development on the environment;

(e) where the application is for a section 36 variation, the main respects in which the developer thinks that the likely significant effects on the environment of the development, as varied, will differ from those set out in—

(i) any EIA report or environmental statement prepared in connection with the application for the section 36 consent that it is proposed be varied; and

(ii) if the section 36 consent has previously been varied by a section 36 variation, any EIA report or environmental statement prepared in connection with the application for that variation;

(f) a non-technical summary of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (a) to (e); and

(g) any other information set out in Schedule 4 relevant to the specific characteristics of the development and the environmental features likely to be affected.

(2) If the relevant authority has given a scoping opinion under regulation 18 in respect of the development, the EIA report must be based on the most recent scoping opinion (so far as the development remains materially the same as the development in respect of which the scoping opinion was given).

(3) The EIA report must include any information that may reasonably be required to reach a reasoned conclusion on the significant effects of the development on the environment, taking into account current knowledge and methods of assessment.

(4) In preparing the EIA report, the developer must, with a view to avoiding duplication of assessments, take into account any available results of other relevant assessments undertaken under requirements imposed in accordance with [F6 the law of any part of the United Kingdom].

(5) In order to ensure the completeness and quality of the EIA report—

(a) the developer must ensure that the EIA report is prepared by competent experts; and

(b) the EIA report must be accompanied by a statement from the developer outlining the relevant expertise or qualifications of the experts.

(6) In paragraph (1)(e), “environmental statement” means an environmental statement under the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 M1 .

Textual Amendments

F6 Words in reg. 17(4) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pipe-lines, Petroleum, Electricity Works and Oil Stocking (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1325), regs. 1(1), 10(4); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M1 S.I. 2000/1927, amended by S.I. 2007/1977. Section 12(5) of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 provides that any reference in S.I. 2000/1927 to the Secretary of State is to be read, so far as relating to the exercise of an electricity consent function (as defined in section 12(2)) of the Secretary of State, as a reference to the Marine Management Organisation.

Developer may request scoping opinion E+W

18.—(1) A person (the “developer”) who makes (or intends to make) an application for a section 36 or 37 consent or a section 36 variation may request the relevant authority to give an opinion in writing (a “scoping opinion”) as to the scope and level of detail of the information to be included in the EIA report in respect of the development to which the application relates.

(2) A request for a scoping opinion must be accompanied by the following—

(a) a brief description of the nature and purpose of the development, including its specific characteristics, location and technical capacity;

(b) an explanation of the likely impact on the environment of the development;

(c) a plan of the site of the development.

(3) The relevant authority must within 21 days after the date on which the relevant authority receives the request consult the following about the scoping opinion—

(a) every consultation body; and

(b) any other public authority that, by reason of its specific environmental responsibilities or local or regional competences, the relevant authority thinks is likely to have an interest in the development.

(4) But if the relevant authority thinks that the developer has not provided sufficient information to enable a scoping opinion to be given, the relevant authority must, within 21 days after the date on which the relevant authority receives the request, notify the developer in writing of the further information required (and paragraph (3) does not apply until that further information is provided).

(5) A consultation body or public authority consulted under paragraph (3) must make its representations (if any) within—

(a) 21 days after the date on which the consultation body or public authority is consulted; or

(b) any longer period notified in writing by the relevant authority.

(6) Before giving a scoping opinion, the relevant authority must take into account—

(a) the information provided by the developer;

(b) any representations received from the consultation bodies and public authorities consulted under paragraph (3);

(c) the specific characteristics of the development;

(d) the specific characteristics of that type of development;

(e) the environmental features likely to be affected by the development.

(7) The relevant authority must give a scoping opinion to the developer within—

(a) 21 days after the latest date by which a consultation body or public authority consulted under paragraph (3) is required to make representations or, if earlier, the date on which the relevant authority receives the last of those representations; or

(b) any longer period that may be agreed in writing with the developer.

(8) Where the developer makes a request for a screening decision under regulation 10 and a request for a scoping opinion under this regulation in respect of the same development—

(a) the relevant authority must make a screening decision before giving a scoping opinion;

(b) if the screening decision is that the development is not EIA development, for the purposes of this regulation, the request for the scoping opinion must be treated as never having been made;

(c) if the screening decision is that the development is EIA development, for the purposes of this regulation, the request for the scoping opinion must be treated as having been received on the same day that the screening decision is made.

(9) The fact that a relevant authority gives a scoping opinion under this regulation does not prevent the relevant authority from requiring information or evidence to be provided under regulation 25(1) in connection with an environmental impact assessment undertaken in respect of the development.

Scoping opinions: publicity E+W

19.—(1) As soon as reasonably practicable after sending the scoping opinion to the developer, the relevant authority must send a copy to—

(a) every local planning authority for the area in which the development will be carried out; or

(b) if the development will be in carried out in relevant waters, any local planning authority that the relevant authority thinks appropriate.

(2) Where a local planning authority that keeps the planning register receives a copy of the scoping opinion, the local planning authority must ensure that a copy is available for public inspection at all reasonable hours at the place where the planning register is kept for at least 2 years after the date on which the scoping opinion is given.

(3) The relevant authority must ensure that a copy of the scoping opinion is able to be accessed by the public free of charge at a website maintained by or on behalf of the relevant authority for at least 2 years after the date on which the screening opinion is given.

Procedure to facilitate preparation of EIA report E+W

20.—(1) Where a person (the “developer”) intends to make an application for a section 36 or 37 consent, or a section 36 variation, for development and to provide an EIA report in connection with the application, the developer may in writing request the relevant authority to comply with paragraph (4).

(2) A request under paragraph (1) must be accompanied by information about the location and the nature and purpose of the development and the main environmental consequences to which the developer proposes to refer in the EIA report.

(3) Where a person (the “developer”) makes an application for a section 36 or 37 consent, or a section 36 variation, for development that is not accompanied by an EIA report and either—

(a) the relevant authority makes a screening decision that the development is EIA development; or

(b) the developer informs the relevant authority in writing that the developer intends to provide an EIA report in connection with the application,

the developer may in writing request the relevant authority to comply with paragraph (4).

(4) Where the relevant authority receives a request under paragraph (1) or (3), the relevant authority must, in writing—

(a) notify every consultation body and any other public authority that, by reason of its specific environmental responsibilities or local or regional competences, the relevant authority thinks is likely to have an interest in the development, of the name and address of the developer and the duty imposed by regulation 35 (provision of information by consultation bodies, etc.); and

(b) notify the developer of the name and address of every consultation body and any other public authority notified under sub-paragraph (a).

CHAPTER 4 E+W Procedure

Application of Chapter E+W

21.  This Chapter applies where a person (the “developer”)—

(a) makes an application (the “application”) for a section 36 or 37 consent, or a section 36 variation, for EIA development (the “development”); and

(b) provides the relevant authority with an EIA report (the “EIA report”).

EIA report: publicity E+W

22.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), after providing the relevant authority with the EIA report, the developer must publish a notice in accordance with paragraphs (4) and (5).

(2) If the relevant authority informs the developer that—

(a) the relevant authority thinks that the development is likely to have significant effects on the environment in an EEA state M2 F7 ... or

(b) an EEA state F7 ... has made a request under paragraph (1) of regulation 24 (development affecting F8 ... EEA states),

the developer must not publish the notice until after the relevant authority notifies the developer in writing that the relevant authority has sent the EEA state the information referred to in that paragraph.

(3) Where the application is for a section 36 variation, the developer must not publish the notice until after the developer is notified under regulation 4(6) of the Electricity Generating Stations (Variation of Consents) (England and Wales) Regulations 2013 M3 [F9 , or in a case where the Welsh Ministers are the relevant authority, under regulation 4(6) of the Electricity (Offshore Generating Stations) (Variation of Consents) (Wales) Regulations 2019,] that the application is suitable for publication.

(4) The notice must be published—

(a) in the London Gazette or, if the development will be carried out in relevant waters that are to be treated as adjacent to Northern Ireland for the purposes referred to in article 3(1) of the Adjacent Waters Boundaries (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 M4 , in the Belfast Gazette; and

(b) in 2 successive weeks in a local newspaper or newspapers circulating in the locality in which the development will be carried out or, if the development will be carried out in relevant waters—

(i) in 2 successive weeks in a local newspaper or newspapers likely to come to the attention of persons likely to be affected by the development;

(ii) in a national newspaper or newspapers;

(iii) in Lloyd's List; and

(iv) in an appropriate fishing trade journal that is published at intervals not exceeding 1 month (if such a journal is in circulation).

(5) The notice must—

(a) describe the application;

(b) state that an environmental impact assessment will be undertaken in respect of the development and, where the relevant authority so informs the developer, that the development is likely to have significant effects on the environment in an EEA state F7 ...

(c) state the nature of the possible decisions that may be taken in relation to the application;

(d) state that a copy of the EIA report may be accessed at the application website free of charge and give the address of the application website;

(e) state that a copy of the EIA report may be inspected free of charge and give an address at which and the times at which it may be inspected (and the address must be in the locality in which the development will be carried out or, if the development will be carried out in relevant waters, an address in England or Wales that is reasonably accessible to persons likely to be affected by the development);

(f) state how a copy of the EIA report may be obtained and the amount of any payment required;

(g) state that representations about the EIA report and the application may be made to the relevant authority and give the address to which and the date by which they must be sent (which must not be earlier than 30 days after the date on which the last notice is published);

(h) set out how any further environmental information subsequently provided by the developer will be made available to the public and the procedures for making representations about the further environmental information (see regulations 26, 28, 29 and 30);

(i) set out how any additional environmental information provided to the relevant authority will be made available to the public (see regulations 28, 29 and 31);

(j) set out the circumstances in which a public inquiry into the application may be held under the Electricity Act 1989.

(6) The notice may be combined with any other notice that the developer is required to publish in connection with the application.

(7) The developer must send a copy of each notice published under paragraph (4) to the relevant authority together with evidence of the date and place of publication.

(8) As soon as reasonably practicable after receiving a copy of the notice, the relevant authority must send a copy to—

(a) every local planning authority for the area in which the development will be carried out; or

(b) if the development will be carried out in relevant waters, any local planning authority that the relevant authority thinks appropriate.

(9) The developer must make a copy of the EIA report available for inspection free of charge at the address and times referred to in paragraph (5)(e).

Textual Amendments

F7 Words in reg. 22(2)(5) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Pipe-lines, Petroleum, Electricity Works and Oil Stocking (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1325), regs. 1(1), 10(5); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F8 Word in reg. 22(2)(b) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Pipe-lines, Petroleum, Electricity Works and Oil Stocking (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1325), regs. 1(1), 10(6); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F9 Words in reg. 22(3) inserted (1.4.2019) by The Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/292), regs. 1, 2(4)

Marginal Citations

M2 “EEA state” is defined in Schedule 1 to the Interpretation Act 1978 (c.30).

M3 S.I. 2013/1570. Schedule 5 to these Regulations amends S.I. 2013/1570.

M4 S.I. 2002/791.

EIA report: provision to consultation bodies, etc. E+W

23.—(1) As soon as reasonably practicable after receiving the EIA report, the relevant authority must notify the developer in writing of any public authority (other than a consultation body) that, by reason of its specific environmental responsibilities or local or regional competences, the relevant authority thinks is likely to have an interest in the development.

(2) The developer must—

(a) send a copy of the EIA report (and a copy of the application and any plan submitted with the application, unless the developer has already done so) to every consultation body and every other public authority notified under paragraph (1); and

(b) give notice in writing to every consultation body and every other public authority notified under paragraph (1) that an environmental impact assessment will be undertaken in respect of the development and that the consultation body or public authority may make representations to the relevant authority about the EIA report and the application before—

(i) the date stated in the notice published under regulation 22 as the date by which representations about the EIA report may be made; or

(ii) if later, 30 days after the date on which the consultation body or public authority receives a copy of the EIA report (and, where relevant, a copy of the application and any plan submitted with the application).

(3) After complying with paragraph (2), the developer must inform the relevant authority in writing of the date on which the last consultation body or public authority to receive a copy of the EIA report (and, where relevant, a copy of the application and any plan submitted with the application) and the notice referred to in paragraph (2)(b) does so.

Development affecting F10 ... EEA states E+W

24.—(1) Where the relevant authority thinks that the development is likely to have significant effects on the environment in an EEA state F11 ... or where an EEA state F11 ... so requests, the relevant authority must, as soon as reasonably practicable, send to the EEA state—

(a) a description of the development, together with any available information on its possible significant effect on the environment in EEA states F12 ...;

(b) a notice explaining the nature of the possible decisions that may be taken in relation to the application and informing the EEA state that it may, within such reasonable period as may be specified in the notice, inform the relevant authority in writing that the EEA state wishes to invoke the procedure provided by this regulation.

(2) Paragraphs (3) to (5) apply where an EEA state informs the relevant authority in writing that the EEA state wishes to invoke the procedure provided by this regulation.

(3) As soon as reasonably practicable after being so informed, the relevant authority must send to the EEA state (to the extent that the relevant authority has not already done so)—

(a) a copy of the notice published by the developer under regulation 22;

(b) a copy of the EIA report; and

(c) any other available information that is relevant to the development.

(4) The relevant authority must ensure that a reasonable period of time is given for the authorities of the EEA state [F13 designated by the EEA state concerned to be consulted about the project] and the public concerned in the EEA state to make representations about the information sent under paragraphs (1) and (3) to the relevant authority before the application is determined.

(5) The relevant authority must enter into consultations with the EEA state, for a reasonable period of time agreed with the EEA state, regarding, amongst other things, the likely significant effect of the development on the environment of the EEA state and the measures envisaged to reduce or eliminate those effects.

(6) This regulation is subject to regulation 36 (confidential information, etc.).

Textual Amendments

F10 Word in reg. 24 heading omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Pipe-lines, Petroleum, Electricity Works and Oil Stocking (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1325), regs. 1(1), 10(7)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F11 Words in reg. 24(1) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Pipe-lines, Petroleum, Electricity Works and Oil Stocking (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1325), regs. 1(1), 10(7)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F12 Words in reg. 24(1)(a) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Pipe-lines, Petroleum, Electricity Works and Oil Stocking (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1325), regs. 1(1), 10(7)(c); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F13 Words in reg. 24(4) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pipe-lines, Petroleum, Electricity Works and Oil Stocking (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1325), regs. 1(1), 10(7)(d); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

When relevant authority must request further environmental information E+W

25.—(1) Where at any time before the application is determined the relevant authority thinks that it is necessary, for the purpose of reaching the reasoned conclusion on the significant effects of the development on the environment referred to in regulation 7(1)(d), for—

(a) the information in the EIA report to be supplemented by any other information that is required to be or may be included in the EIA report; or

(b) the information in the EIA report, or any information that the developer provides to the relevant authority to supplement that information, to be verified by such evidence as the relevant authority may reasonably call for,

the relevant authority must, by notice in writing, require the developer to provide the information or evidence.

(2) If the developer fails to provide the information or evidence required under paragraph (1) within such reasonable period or periods as the relevant authority may notify in writing, the relevant authority may treat the application as having been withdrawn; and, if so, the relevant authority must notify the developer of that fact in writing.

Further environmental information: publicity and provision to consultation bodies, etc. E+W

26.—(1) Where the developer provides any further environmental information to the relevant authority, the developer must publish a notice in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3).

(2) The notice must be published—

(a) in the London Gazette or, if the development will be carried out in relevant waters that are to be treated as adjacent to Northern Ireland for the purposes referred to in article 3(1) of the Adjacent Waters Boundaries (Northern Ireland) Order 2002, in the Belfast Gazette; and

(b) in 2 successive weeks in a local newspaper or newspapers circulating in the locality in which the development will be carried out or, if the development will be carried out in relevant waters—

(i) in 2 successive weeks in a local newspaper or newspapers likely to come to the attention of persons likely to be affected by the development;

(ii) in a national newspaper or newspapers;

(iii) in Lloyd's List; and

(iv) in an appropriate fishing trade journal that is published at intervals not exceeding 1 month (if such a journal is in circulation).

(3) The notice must—

(a) describe the application;

(b) state that the developer has provided the further environmental information in connection with the environmental impact assessment that must be undertaken in respect of the development;

(c) state that the a copy of the further environmental information may be accessed at the application website free of charge and give the address of the application website;

(d) state that a copy of the further environmental information may be inspected free of charge and give an address at which and the times at which it may be inspected (and the address must be in the locality in which the development will be carried out or, if the development will be carried out in relevant waters, an address in England or Wales that is reasonably accessible to persons likely to be affected by the development);

(e) state how a copy of the further environmental information may be obtained and the amount of any payment required;

(f) state that representations about the further environmental information may be made to the relevant authority and give the address to which and the date by which they must be sent (which must not be earlier than 30 days after the date on which the last notice is published).

(4) The developer must send a copy of each notice published under paragraph (2) to the relevant authority together with evidence of the date and place of publication.

(5) As soon as reasonably practicable after receiving a copy of the notice, the relevant authority must send a copy to—

(a) every local planning authority for the area in which the development will be carried out; or

(b) if the development will be carried out in relevant waters, any local planning authority that the relevant authority thinks appropriate.

(6) The developer must make a copy of the further environmental information available for inspection free of charge at the address and times referred to in paragraph (3)(d).

(7) The developer must—

(a) send a copy of the further environmental information to every consultation body and other public authority to which the developer is required to send a copy of the EIA report under regulation 23(2); and

(b) give notice in writing to every such consultation body or public authority that an environmental impact assessment will be undertaken in respect of the development and that the consultation body or public authority may make representations to the relevant authority about the further environmental information before—

(i) the date stated in the notice published under paragraph (2) as the date by which representations about the further environmental information may be made; or

(ii) if later, 30 days after the date on which the consultation body or public authority receives a copy of the further environmental information.

(8) After complying with paragraph (7), the developer must inform the relevant authority in writing of the date on which the last consultation body or public authority to receive a copy of the further environmental information and the notice referred to in paragraph (7)(b) does so.

(9) In this regulation, “further environmental information” means any information or evidence that the developer—

(a) is required to provide to the relevant authority under regulation 25(1); or

(b) otherwise provides to the relevant authority to supplement the information in the EIA report.

Additional environmental information E+W

27.—(1) Where any additional environmental information is received by the relevant authority, the relevant authority must send a copy of the additional environmental information to the developer and to—

(a) every local planning authority for the area in which the development will be carried out; or

(b) if the development will be carried out in relevant waters, any local planning authority that the relevant authority thinks appropriate.

(2) In paragraph (1), “additional environmental information” means any information and representations (other than further environmental information) received by the relevant authority under the procedures provided by this Chapter after the date on which the EIA report is provided to the relevant authority and before the relevant authority determines the application that the relevant authority thinks is of material relevance to the matters set out in Schedule 4.

Application website E+W

28.—(1) The developer or, where paragraph (2) applies, the relevant authority must ensure that a copy of each item set out in an entry in column 1 of the table is able to be accessed by the public at a website (the “application website”) free of charge from the date set out in the corresponding entry in column 2 until the date on which the application is determined.

(1) Item	(2) Date from which item must be accessible at application website
Notice published under regulation 22	The date on which the first notice is published under regulation 22(4)
EIA report	The date on which the first notice is published under regulation 22(4)
Notice published under regulation 26	The date on which the first notice is published under regulation 26(2)
Further environmental information	The date on which the first notice is published under regulation 26(2)
Additional environmental information	As soon as reasonably practicable after the date on which the additional environmental information is received by the developer or, where paragraph (2) applies, the relevant authority

(2) This paragraph applies where the relevant authority notifies the developer in writing that the relevant authority will comply with the obligations in paragraph (1).

(3) Where the relevant authority notifies the developer under regulation 5(2A) of the Electricity Generating Stations (Variation of Consents) (England and Wales) Regulations 2013 M5 [F14 , or in a case where the Welsh Ministers are the relevant authority, under regulation 5(3) of the Electricity (Offshore Generating Stations) (Variation of Consents) (Wales) Regulations 2019,] that the relevant authority will, instead of the developer, comply with the obligations in paragraph (2) of that regulation to publish material on a website, the relevant authority must also notify the developer under paragraph (2) of this regulation that the relevant authority will comply with the obligations in paragraph (1) of this regulation.

(4) The application website must be the same website on which information is published under regulation 5(2) of the Electricity Generating Stations (Variation of Consents) (England and Wales) Regulations 2013[F15 , or in a case where the Welsh Ministers are the relevant authority, under regulation 5(2) of the Electricity (Offshore Generating Stations) (Variation of Consents) (Wales) Regulations 2019].

Textual Amendments

F14 Words in reg. 28(3) inserted (1.4.2019) by The Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/292), regs. 1, 2(5)(a)

F15 Words in reg. 28(4) inserted (1.4.2019) by The Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/292), regs. 1, 2(5)(b)

Marginal Citations

M5 Regulation 5(2A) is inserted by paragraph 8 of Schedule 5 to these Regulations. Regulation 5(2) is substituted by that paragraph.

Local planning authority must place copy of EIA report, etc. on Part 1 of planning register E+W

29.—(1) Where a local planning authority that keeps the planning register receives a copy of—

(a) a notice under regulation 22(8) or 26(5);

(b) the EIA report under regulation 23(2);

(c) further environmental information under regulation 26(7); or

(d) additional environmental information under regulation 27(1),

the local planning authority must place a copy of the document on Part 1 of the planning register as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt.

(2) Where a local planning authority that keeps the planning register receives a copy of—

(a) a screening decision in respect of the development under regulation 16(1);

(b) a scoping opinion in relation to the EIA report under regulation 19(1),

the local planning authority must place a copy of the decision or opinion on Part 1 of the planning register as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt of any of the documents referred to in paragraph (1).

(3) The documents referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2) must be kept on Part 1 of the planning register until the application is determined.

Developer must provide copy of EIA report, etc. to public E+W

30.—(1) Where before the application is determined a person requests the developer to provide a copy of any of the following, the developer must do so as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving the request—

(a) the EIA report;

(b) any further environmental information.

(2) The developer may make a reasonable charge reflecting printing and distribution costs in relation to the provision of a copy of the EIA report or any further environmental information (but any copy that the developer is required to send under regulation 23(2) or regulation 26(7) must be provided free of charge).

Relevant authority must provide copy of additional environmental information to public E+W

31.—(1) Where before the application is determined a person requests the relevant authority to provide a copy of any additional environmental information, the relevant authority must do so as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving the request.

(2) The relevant authority may make a reasonable charge reflecting printing and distribution costs in relation to the provision of a copy of the additional environmental information (but any copy that the relevant authority is required to send under regulation 27(1) must be provided free of charge).

Determination of application: timing E+W

32.—(1) The relevant authority must determine the application within a reasonable time after the relevant authority has all the information and evidence necessary to reach the reasoned conclusion on the significant effects of the development on the environment referred to in regulation 7(1)(d) and to determine the application (including, where a public inquiry under the Electricity Act 1989 is held in relation to the application, the inspector's report).

(2) But the relevant authority must not determine the application before the latest of the following dates—

(a) the latest date given under the Electricity Act 1989, or stated in any notice published under that Act or regulations 22 or 26 of these Regulations, as the date by which objections or representations may be made in relation to the application;

(b) 30 days after the date on which every person to whom the developer is required to send a copy of the following documents receives a copy—

(i) the EIA report (see regulation 23(2)(a));

(ii) any further environmental information (see regulation 26(7)(a));

(c) the date on which any reasonable period for the authorities and public of an EEA state to make representations referred to in regulation 24(4) ends or, if later, the date on which any consultations with an EEA state referred to in regulation 24(5) end.

Decision notice: content E+W

33.—(1) On determining the application, the relevant authority must give notice in writing of the decision (the “decision notice”) to the developer.

(2) The decision notice must include the following information—

(a) the terms of the decision;

(b) information about the participation of the public, including a summary of the results of the consultations undertaken and information gathered under regulations 22 to 26 and how these results have been incorporated or otherwise addressed, in particular the comments received from every EEA state that invoked the procedure provided by regulation 24;

(c) if the decision is to grant the application—

(i) the reasoned conclusion on the significant effects of the development on the environment referred to in regulation 7(1)(d);

(ii) any environmental conditions to which the decision is subject;

(iii) a description of any features or measures to be implemented by the developer that it is envisaged will avoid, prevent or reduce and, if possible, offset significant adverse effects on the environment; and

(iv) a description of any measures to monitor significant adverse effects on the environment that the relevant authority thinks are appropriate;

(d) if the decision is to refuse the application, the main reasons for the refusal; and

(e) information about how the validity of the decision can be challenged and the procedures for doing so.

(3) Where the relevant authority thinks it is appropriate to include any monitoring measures referred to in paragraph (2)(c)(iv)—

(a) the type of parameters to be monitored and the duration of the monitoring must be proportionate to the nature, location and size of the development and the significance of its effects on the environment; and

(b) existing monitoring measures under other legislation may be used, if appropriate, with a view to avoiding duplication of monitoring.

Decision notice: publicity E+W

34.—(1) As soon as reasonably practicable after determining the application, the relevant authority must send a copy of the decision notice to—

(a) every consultation body and other public authority to which the developer is required to send a copy of the EIA report under regulation 23(2);

(b) every EEA state that invoked the procedure provided by regulation 24.

(2) Where a local planning authority that keeps the planning register receives a copy of the decision notice, the local planning authority must place a copy on Part 2 of the planning register as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt.

(3) As soon as reasonably practicable after receiving a copy of the decision notice, the developer must publish a notice in accordance with paragraphs (4) and (5).

(4) The notice must be published—

(a) in the London Gazette or, if the development will be carried out in relevant waters that are to be treated as adjacent to Northern Ireland for the purposes referred to in article 3(1) of the Adjacent Waters Boundaries (Northern Ireland) Order 2002, in the Belfast Gazette; and

(b) in 2 successive weeks in a local newspaper or newspapers circulating in the locality in which the development will be carried out or, if the development will be carried out in relevant waters—

(i) in 2 successive weeks in a local newspaper or newspapers likely to come to the attention of persons likely to be affected by the development;

(ii) in a national newspaper or newspapers;

(iii) in Lloyd's List; and

(iv) in an appropriate fishing trade journal that is published at intervals not exceeding 1 month (if such a journal is in circulation).

(5) The notice must state—

(a) that the application has been determined;

(b) that a section 36 or 37 consent has been granted or refused or that a section 36 variation has been made or not, as the case may be;

(c) where a copy of the decision notice is sent to a local planning authority that keeps the planning register, that a copy of the decision notice is available for public inspection on the planning register and give the address where the planning register may be inspected;

(d) that a copy of the decision notice may be accessed at the website referred to in paragraph (6) and give the address of the website.

(6) As soon as reasonably practicable after determining the application, the relevant authority must ensure that a copy of the decision notice is able to be accessed by the public free of charge at a website maintained by or on behalf of the relevant authority.