Approval of New Onshore Projects
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ES Required |
No ES Required |
Action Needed |
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16 months +
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As early as possible 16 months +
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Identify relevant Planning Authority. This will usually be the Local Planning Authority (LPA) in whose jurisdiction the development is proposed.
EXCEPTION: Where a proposal falls under the jurisdiction of the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) in England and Wales for a National Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). (eg LNG facilities, underground gas storage facilities or gas reception facilities). |
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34 to 38 weeks (minimum)
15 months+ |
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Determine requirement for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) through a process of Screening using the guidelines and threshold criteria set out within the regulations. A formal screening request can be submitted to the LPA to confirm their interpretation of the requirements of the regulations.  |
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34 weeks (minimum)
14 months +
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N/A |
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Determine scope of EIA through submission of a request for a scoping opinion to the LPA. The scoping process should involve consultation between the developer, LPA, relevant agencies and statutory stakeholders. In adopting a formal scoping opinion the LPA is required to complete this consultation with statutory stakeholders. |
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As early as possible
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Identify if development occurs in vicinity of any habitats or protected species under EU Habitats Directive. Additional measures and a Habitats Regulatory Assessment may be required | |||
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28 weeks (minimum) 12 months + (depending on size of the development and environmental issues presented by the site eg seasonal impacts such as impacts on breeding birds) |
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Undertake EIA and prepare Environmental Statement (ES). | |||
| 28 weeks | |
If deemed ‘major development’ under the Planning Act 2008, conduct pre-application consultation. NB Sufficient environmental information should be available to inform this consultation, but the fully completed ES is not a pre-requisite to commencement of this consultation exercise. | |||
| 16 Weeks | |
Submit ES along with Planning Application and other relevant documentation to LPA from consideration. | |||
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Complete necessary advertising for the ES including publishing notice(s) in relevant local newspaper(s) along with notices at the proposed development site. | ||||
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Project Approval |
APPLICATION DECISION |
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Key Compliance
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Ensure all commitments made within ES submitted in support of the planning application are met with in detailed design and subsequent implementation of new project. |
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Ensure all planning conditions of consent received are met within detailed design and implementation of the new project, particularly where planning conditions may update, or supercede commitments made within the submitted ES. |
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