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).
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 fee depends on the permit type, plus a charge for each extra assessment you need, such as a habitats assessment or a fire prevention, odour or noise management plan. Check the Environment Agency charging scheme for the amounts that apply to you.
The application process
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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.
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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.
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Gather supporting documents
Compile all required documentation: site plans, environmental assessments, management plans, and proof of land rights. Missing documents will delay your application.
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Submit application online
Submit via the Environment Agency's permitting portal with all supporting documents. Keep a copy of everything you submit.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Starting operations without checking whether you need a permit. Not knowing is no defence.
- Assuming planning permission covers you. Planning and environmental permitting are separate regimes, and you may need both.
- Underestimating timescales. Bespoke permits can take 4 to 6 months, so plan ahead.
- Proposing outdated processes. Permits require Best Available Techniques (BAT), and applications that do not use them will not be approved.
Once your permit is granted, it comes with legally binding conditions on emissions, monitoring, record keeping and reporting, and breaching any of them is an offence.
Legal basis
Primary legislation and key regulations
Browse UK legislation (opens in a new tab) legislation.gov.ukOfficial guidance
Check if you need an environmental permit (opens in a new tab)
Environment Agency · England
Medium combustion plant permits (GOV.UK) (opens in a new tab)
Environment Agency · England and Wales
Mobile plant guidance (GOV.UK) (opens in a new tab)
Publication · DEFRA
Animal by-products: categories, approval, hygiene and disposal (opens in a new tab)
DEFRA · Great Britain
Discharges to surface water and groundwater environmental permits (opens in a new tab)
Environment Agency · England
Decarbonisation readiness in environmental permit applications (opens in a new tab)
Environment Agency · England