Environmental Permitting

Industrial pollution control

The Environmental Protection and Monitoring Unit has the responsibility for regulating certain industrial activities to reduce pollution, and in particular improve air quality. The laws include:

• The Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999
• Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010

Together they govern integrated pollution prevention and control and local authority pollution prevention and control.

• Do I need a permit?
• Which sort of permit do I need?
• How do I apply for a permit?
• What conditions will be in the permit?
• How long does the permit last?
• What other information is available?
• Who can I contact for further information?
• Is there register of permit holders?

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Do I need a permit?

If your process is prescribed (any industrial activity with the potential to cause air pollution) within the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010, you will need to apply for a permit.

If your process is a 'part b' or 'A2' you must apply to the Council.

If your process is 'A1' you must apply to the Environment Agency.

Which sort of permit do I need?

This depends on the type of process operated by your business.

The Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010 specify the types of operation which must apply for a permit. Most permits are 'part b' permits and are only regulated for emissions to air. Some permits are 'A2' and regulate water pollution, land contamination, energy usage and accident prevention, although this tends only to be for a few of the larger industrial sites.

The Environment Agency regulates the larger or more complex industries, which are known as 'A1' installations.
If you are still unsure, please contact us.

How do I apply for a permit?

It is recommended to contact us before applying for a permit as we will be able to help you in what can be a complicated procedure.

Applications can be made on the business link website. You will need to register to Government Gateway, and follow the steps as instructed.

Alternatively you can download and complete the standard application forms and post them to us.

The completed application form must be accompanied by the relevant fee and documentation. If any of these items are missing or incomplete the application may be returned.

If your application is accepted it will be placed on a public register, although you may apply to have information excluded on the basis of commercial confidentiality.

The application may involve one or more stages of public consultation and we aim to make a decision on the application within 3 to 4 months depending on the type of application.

If your application is refused or you disagree with the permit conditions, then you have a right of appeal to the Welsh Assembly Government.

What conditions will be in the permit?

The permit conditions will be drafted based on government guidance contained in process guidance notes and having regard to the specific circumstances of your activity. In most cases draft permits will be provided to operators for comment as part of the application process, but petrol stations and other small activities with simple standard permits are frequently not consulted in this way.

How long does the permit last?

Once your permit has been issued, it will continue to be in force until surrendered by the operator or revoked by the Council. There are several reasons why a council might revoke a permit. These include

• non payment of annual subsistence fees
• the holder of the permit is no longer the operator of the activity
• the activity has not been operated for a long time.

A permit may be subject to a suspension notice if there is an imminent risk of serious pollution to the environment.

What other information is available?

There are a number of useful online resources available on the Defra website:

• Part b process guidance notes
• A2 sector guidance notes
• General guidance manual for environmental permitting
• Pollution prevention and control

Who can I contact for further information?

Please contact a member of our Environmental Protection and Monitoring Team if you require further information, telephone 01752 304147 or email public.protection@plymouth.gov.uk.

Is there register of permit holders?

Local Authorities are also required to maintain a public register containing information on all the processes that are permitted. A summary of the public register is available below.

The register can also be viewed by the public free of charge during normal office hours. A fee is payable if you want a copy of any entry on the register.

• A4 copy - 30p per sheet
• A3 copy - 60p per sheet

To make an appointment to view the full Public Register please contact a member of our Environmental Protection and Monitoring Team.

Application fee information

A summary of the fees is available from the Defra Charges and Risk website.

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