Apply for an environmental permit

You will need to apply for an environmental permit if your business operates industrial processes or activities that full under schedule 1 of the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 and have the potential to cause pollution.

Types of environmental permit

There are 3 types of permit, Part A(1) permits which are provided by the Environment Agency and Part A(2) and Part B permits which are granted directly by us.

Part A(1) permits

These permits are regulated by the Environment Agency and cover industries which are considered to be most polluting. Industries such as large scale power stations, chemical works and pharmaceutical production fall under this category. Part A(1) premises are regulated for emissions to air, land, water and other environmental considerations such as noise, vibrations, waste and energy usage.

Part A(2) permits

This category is regulated by us and seen as a medium risk to the environment and human health. If you operate galvanizers or large scale pottery, for example, you may be regulated as a Part A(2) premises. Part A(2) premises are also regulated for emissions to air, land, water and other environmental considerations.

Part B permits

Seen to be lesser polluting, these industries are only regulated for emissions to air. Industries such as cement batching plants, coating material manufacture, animal feed manufacture, dry cleaning and vehicle refinishers will fall into this category.

How to apply for your environmental permit

You will need to apply for your environmental permit directly with us if your business falls under Part A2 or Part B.

Failed applications

If your application for an environmental permit is refused, you may appeal to the appropriate authority. In England this is the Secretary of State. Appeals must be made no later than 6 months from the date of the decision.

Environmental permits we have issued

You can view a list of all sites that have been issued environmental permits by us.

Contact us if you require further information about a specific site.