The Marine Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017

Exemptions

8.—(1) The Scottish Ministers may, in accordance with Article 2(4) of the Directive (but without prejudice to Article 7 of the Directive), direct that these Regulations do not apply in exceptional cases in relation to particular proposed works specified in the direction where in the opinion of the Scottish Ministers compliance with these Regulations would have an adverse effect on the purpose of the proposed works.

(2) Where a direction is given under paragraph (1) the Scottish Ministers must—

(a) send a copy of any such direction to—

(i) the applicant; and

(ii) any relevant local planning authority;

(b) make available to the public concerned the information considered in making the direction and the reasons for making the direction;

(c) consider whether another form of assessment would be appropriate; and

(d) if in the opinion of the Scottish Ministers another form of assessment would be appropriate, take such steps as are considered appropriate to bring the information obtained under the other form of assessment to the attention of the public concerned.

(3) The Scottish Ministers may direct that these Regulations do not apply in relation to particular proposed works specified in the direction if the works comprise a project having the response to civil emergencies as its sole purpose and where in the opinion of the Scottish Ministers compliance with these Regulations would have an adverse effect on that purpose.

(4) The Scottish Ministers may direct that these Regulations do not apply if they are satisfied that—

(a) assessment of any effects on the environment of the works has already been, is being or is to be carried out by the Scottish Ministers or by another consenting authority; and

(b) such assessment is, or will be, sufficient to meet the requirements of the Directive in relation to the works.

(5) The Scottish Ministers may, in accordance with Article 2(5) of the Directive (but without prejudice to Article 7 of the Directive), direct that the provisions of these Regulations relating to public consultation do not apply in cases where a project is adopted pursuant to an enactment (including an Act of the Scottish Parliament or any instrument made under such an Act), provided that the objectives of the Directive are met.