[[Reasoned conclusion about environmental impactE+W+S
18A.(1)This paragraph applies where an EIA application is made.E+W+S
(2)The Secretary of State must consider—
(a)the environmental statement relating to the project,
(b)any information supplied in pursuance of a direction under paragraph 8A in relation to the project,
(c)any information about the project made available on an official website under paragraph 10ZB,
(d)the results of any consultations under paragraph 15 or 16(6)(a) in relation to the project,
(e)any opinion about the project which is sent under paragraph 16(5)(b),
(f)any relevant objections made about the project and not withdrawn,
(g)any relevant representations about the project made in accordance with a notice published under paragraph 10 or 10A,
(h)where an inquiry or hearing relating to the project is held under paragraph 18, any relevant report of the person who held the inquiry or person appointed for the purpose of hearing the objector, or any relevant part of such a report, and
(i)any features of the project or measures envisaged to avoid, prevent or reduce, and, if possible, offset any likely significant adverse effects of the project on the environment.
(3)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (2), an objection, representation, report or part of a report is “relevant” if it concerns the likely significant effects of the project on the environment.
(4)Following the consideration required by sub-paragraph (2), the Secretary of State must reach a reasoned conclusion about the likely significant effects of the project on the environment.
(5)The Secretary of State must obtain such expert advice as appears to the Secretary of State to be necessary for the purposes of considering the environmental statement.]]