Environmental Permits

Some factories, businesses and machines can create pollution that may harm the environment. Because of this, they need special permission, called an environmental permit, before they can operate.

The type of permit a business needs depends on:

• what the business does
• how much pollution it could create

There are three types of environmental permits:

• Part A(1) – looked after by the Environment Agency.
• Part A(2) – looked after by your local council.
• Part B – also looked after by your local council.

The Environment Agency is responsible for the largest or most complex sites. Local councils are responsible for smaller sites, especially those that mainly create pollution in the air.

Some industrial activities have the potential to cause pollution. These businesses must have a permit before they can operate and may be inspected to make sure they are following the rules.

The Environmental Permitting Regulations brought waste and pollution rules together into one system. This makes it easier for businesses to apply for and manage their permits.

All businesses carrying out activities that need a permit must apply before they begin operating. The regulator will decide whether to issue a permit. If a permit is granted, it will include rules that the business must follow to help reduce pollution and protect the environment.

For more information about environmental permits, please visit the DEFRA website.

Permit conditions

If a business has an environmental permit, it must follow all the rules in the permit.

The business may be checked by inspectors to make sure it is following these rules.

The rules help businesses:

• prevent pollution where possible
• use the best ways of working to protect the environment
• make sure they do not cause serious pollution

How to apply

If you think your business needs an environmental permit, please contact us to find out how to apply.

What happens after you apply?

When we receive your completed application, we will first check that all the information we need has been included. We will do this within 14 days.

We may also ask other organisations and members of the public for their views. We will consider their comments before making a decision.

If we have all the information we need, we can take up to 4 months to decide your application. To help avoid delays, please apply as early as possible.

If your application is approved, your permit will include rules that your business must follow. These rules are based on government guidance and the information you provide in your application.

We will review permits from time to time to make sure they still meet the latest government guidance.

We may also inspect your business to check that you are following the conditions of your permit.

Will my permit be approved automatically?

No. We must assess every application before we can decide whether to issue a permit.

If you have not heard from us after a reasonable amount of time, please contact us.

Appeals

If you have any questions about a decision, please contact us first.

If your application is refused, you can appeal the decision. In England, appeals are made to the Secretary of State.

You must submit your appeal within 6 months of the decision.