Apply for an environmental permit

How to prepare and submit an environmental permit application to the Environment Agency. Covers documentation requirements, the application process, permit conditions, and ongoing compliance including inspections.

UK-wide
Guide summary

You must apply for an environmental permit before starting certain activities. Submit your application to the Environment Agency with all required documents. You may need to hire a consultant. Operating without a permit is illegal and can result in heavy fines.

  • Apply to the Environment Agency before starting regulated activities
  • Hire an environmental consultant for complex applications (£5,000-£50,000)
  • Prepare site plans, environmental assessments, and legal proof
  • Pay application fees starting from £100
  • Submit online with all supporting documents and payment
  • Respond to information requests promptly
  • Do not start activities until permit granted
  • Breaching conditions can lead to fines or prison
  • Public consultation takes 30 working days
  • Standard permits take 13 weeks
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UK-wide

Related guides in Environment & Sustainability

Once you've determined you need an environmental permit, you must apply to the Environment Agency (for Part A1 activities) or your local council (for Part A2 and Part B activities). This guide covers the Environment Agency application process.

Do not start regulated activities before your permit is issued. Operating without a permit is a criminal offence carrying severe penalties including imprisonment and unlimited fines.

Consider hiring an environmental consultant. Permit applications are complex and technical. Many businesses use consultants to prepare applications, conduct assessments, and liaise with the Environment Agency. Costs vary (£5,000-£50,000+ depending on complexity) but can prevent costly mistakes and delays.

Documentation you'll need

Applications require significant technical detail. Prepare the following before you start:

Site information

  • Site plan showing location of operations, drainage, and boundaries
  • Grid reference and postal address
  • Proximity to sensitive receptors (homes, schools, water courses, nature reserves)
  • Site condition report (baseline environmental assessment)
  • Proof you can legally use the site (lease, title deeds)

Operational details

  • Description of all processes and activities
  • Emissions to air, water, and land (with quantities)
  • Raw materials and energy use
  • Waste generated and disposal routes
  • Operating hours and production capacity

Environmental management

  • Proposed emission limits and monitoring plan
  • Accident prevention measures
  • Energy efficiency assessment
  • Best Available Techniques (BAT) assessment - how you'll minimise environmental impact

Additional assessments (if required)

  • Habitats assessment (if near protected sites)
  • Fire prevention plan (waste sites)
  • Pest management plan
  • Odour management plan
  • Noise and vibration management plan

The application process

  1. 1

    Get pre-application advice (optional but recommended)

    Meet with Environment Agency officers to discuss your proposal before submitting. This is a chargeable service (£100/hour plus VAT) but can help you understand requirements and avoid costly mistakes. Highly recommended for bespoke permits.

  2. 2

    Complete the application forms

    Download forms from GOV.UK. You'll need Part A (about you), Part B (specific to your activity), and Part F1 (charges and declarations). Use Adobe Acrobat to complete the forms - other PDF readers may not work correctly.

  3. 3

    Gather supporting documents

    Compile all required documentation: site plans, environmental assessments, management plans, and proof of land rights. Missing documents will delay your application.

  4. 4

    Submit application online

    Submit via the Environment Agency's permitting portal with all supporting documents. Keep a copy of everything you submit.

  5. 5

    Pay the application fee

    Pay the non-refundable application fee when you submit. Fees depend on permit type and any additional assessments required. Check the charging scheme for exact amounts.

  6. 6

    Wait for 'duly made' confirmation

    The Environment Agency will check your application is complete within 15 working days. If information is missing, they'll send an information notice - respond promptly to avoid delays.

  7. 7

    Public consultation (if required)

    For some applications, the Environment Agency will consult the public and statutory bodies. This takes 30 working days for new applications.

  8. 8

    Await determination

    The Environment Agency will assess your application and either grant the permit (possibly with conditions you must accept) or refuse it. See the determination timelines below for expected processing periods.

Do not operate before your permit is granted

You cannot legally carry out regulated activities until your permit is formally issued. Starting operations during the application process is a criminal offence.

Understanding your permit conditions

Once granted, your permit imposes legally binding conditions. Breaching any condition is a criminal offence.

Typical permit conditions include:

  • Emission limits: Maximum concentrations or loads of pollutants to air/water
  • Monitoring requirements: Regular sampling and testing (daily, weekly, or annual)
  • Record keeping: Maintain logs of emissions, waste, incidents, and maintenance
  • Reporting: Submit data to the Environment Agency (annual reports, incident notifications)
  • Operating techniques: Use specified equipment and procedures (Best Available Techniques)
  • Site management: Maintain infrastructure, prevent leaks, control odour/noise
  • Training: Ensure staff are competent

Keeping your permit current

You must notify the Environment Agency of any changes to your operations, transfers of ownership, or cessation of activities. Variations to permits (changing capacity, adding processes) require formal applications and fees.

Preparing for inspections

The Environment Agency conducts regular inspections to check permit compliance. Inspection frequency is based on risk - high-risk sites may be inspected multiple times per year, low-risk sites every few years.

What inspectors check

  • Compliance with emission limits and monitoring requirements
  • Record keeping and data submission
  • Site infrastructure and maintenance
  • Incident management and prevention
  • Staff competence and training records

Inspections are usually unannounced

Environment Agency officers can visit your site without warning. They will look around, ask questions, and may want to see documents or talk to staff. After an inspection, you'll receive a Compliance Assessment Report (CAR) recording any issues found.

Non-compliance affects your fees

Your compliance rating affects your annual subsistence charge. Poor compliance leads to higher fees and more frequent inspections.

Report pollution incidents immediately

Call the Environment Agency's 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 for any spills, leaks, or breaches of permit conditions. Failure to report incidents is an aggravating factor in prosecutions.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Operating without checking if permit needed: Ignorance is not a defence - check before starting operations
  • Assuming planning permission covers environmental permits: They are separate regimes - you may need both
  • Underestimating application timescales: Bespoke permits can take 4-6 months - plan ahead
  • Poor record keeping: Missing monitoring data is a permit breach
  • Not notifying EA of operational changes: Variations require formal approval before implementation
  • Ignoring Best Available Techniques: Permits require use of BAT - outdated processes won't be approved
  • Inadequate staff training: All staff handling permitted activities must be competent