Preparation of environmental report
12.—(1) Where an environmental assessment is required by any provision of Part 2, the responsible authority must prepare, or secure the preparation of, an environmental report in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3) of this regulation.
(2) The report must identify, describe and evaluate the likely significant effects on the environment of—
(a)implementing the plan or programme; and
(b)reasonable alternatives, taking into account the objectives and the geographical scope of the plan or programme.
(3) The report must include such of the information referred to in Schedule 2 as may reasonably be required, taking account of—
(a)current knowledge and methods of assessment;
(b)the contents and level of detail in the plan or programme;
(c)the status of the plan or programme in the decision-making process; and
(d)the extent to which certain matters are more appropriately assessed at different levels in that process in order to avoid duplication of the assessment.
(4) Information referred to in Schedule 2 may be provided by reference to relevant information obtained at other levels of decision-making or through other Community legislation.
(5) When deciding on the scope and level of detail of the information that must be included in the report, the responsible authority must consult the consultation bodies.
(6) Where a consultation body wishes to respond to a consultation under paragraph (5), it must do so within the period of 5 weeks beginning with the date on which the consultation begins.