Do I need permission to fell trees or remove hedgerows?
- 1 step
UK Act of Parliament
1995
United Kingdom
Environment Act 1995
At a glance
What's here
81 compliance obligations, 4 practical guides · 2 journeys · 37 statutory instruments
Penalty landscape
17 of 81 obligations carry an unlimited fine. 9 carry different penalties and 55 have no criminal penalty — flagged in the list below.
Who this Act binds
Business-side actors with duties under this Act, ranked by how often they appear.
- Any Person 28
- Occupier 3
- Statutory Undertaker 2
- Operator 1
Plus 47 non-business duties on Crown ministers, regulators, local authorities or tribunals — shown collapsed under each section below.
Step-by-step journeys using this legislation
Walkthroughs that take you from a real business situation to compliance.
Start a manufacturing business
- 1 step
Relevant guidance
Practical guides for businesses affected by this Act, ordered by how closely they engage with it.
Other Acts binding the same actors
For each actor bound by this Act, the other UK Acts that bind them most often. Useful for understanding the full compliance landscape facing each role.
Any Person also bound by 2338 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Human Medicines Regulations 2012 2012 169 duties
- Merchant Shipping Act 1995 1995 144 duties
- Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016 2016 101 duties
- Road Traffic Act 1988 1988 95 duties
- Air Navigation Order 2016 2016 95 duties
Occupiers also bound by 259 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021 2021 39 duties
- Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (England) (No. 2) Order 2006 2006 34 duties
- The Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 1995 34 duties
- Highways Act 1980 1980 23 duties
- Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations 2015 2015 18 duties
Statutory Undertakers also bound by 169 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- The Cory Decarbonisation Project Order 2025 2025 116 duties
- The Keadby 3 (Carbon Capture Equipped Gas Fired Generating Station) Order 2022 2022 112 duties
- Water Industry Act 1991 1991 52 duties
- Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 2006 44 duties
- The A47 North Tuddenham to Easton Development Consent Order 2022 2022 28 duties
Operators also bound by 730 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 (Air Operations) 2012 138 duties
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2066 of 19 December 2018 on the monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and amending Commission Regulation (EU) No 601/2012 (Text with EEA relevance) 2018 121 duties
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 601/2012 of 21 June 2012 on the monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (Text with EEA relevance) (repealed) 2012 112 duties
- Space Industry Regulations 2021 2021 75 duties
- Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health (‘Animal Health Law’) (Text with EEA relevance) 2016 66 duties
What this Act requires
Sections that create concrete duties on businesses or carry penalties. Procedural and definitional sections are folded into the “Browse other sections” expander at the bottom of each group. Click any section title to read the source text on legislation.gov.uk.
Part I — The Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
General functions with respect to pollution control.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environmental agencies must monitor and control pollution Statutory regulator
General provisions with respect to water.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales must manage water and fisheries Statutory regulator
General environmental and recreational duties.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency and Ministers must protect the environment and heritage Statutory regulator
Duty of the Agency to cooperate with the Natural Resources Body for Wales
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency must cooperate and coordinate with Natural Resources Wales Statutory regulator
Regional flood defence committees.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency must maintain regional offices for flood defence Statutory regulator
Composition of regional flood defence committees.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ministers and Councils must appoint qualified members to flood committees Crown / Minister / Government department
Local flood defence schemes and local flood defence committees.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency may create local flood defence schemes and committees Statutory regulator
Composition of local flood defence committees.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Regional flood defence committees must correctly compose local committees Statutory regulator
General purpose of SEPA
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- SEPA must protect the environment and support sustainable Scottish growth Statutory regulator
Transfer of property, rights and liabilities to SEPA.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Secretary of State must transfer assets and liabilities to SEPA Crown / Minister / Government department
Power of SEPA to obtain information about land.
Unlimited fine- Fail to provide land information to SEPA Occupier
General environmental and recreational duties.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- SEPA and Secretary of State must consider heritage and public access Statutory regulator
General duties as respects the state of the environment and effects of pollution.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- SEPA must monitor and manage environmental pollution in Scotland Statutory regulator
General duties with respect to water.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- SEPA must promote water conservation and natural beauty in Scotland Statutory regulator
Incidental general functions.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency and SEPA may provide paid advice and research Statutory regulator
General duty of the new Agencies Agency to have regard to costs and benefits in exercising powers.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency must consider costs and benefits when using powers Statutory regulator
Approval of charging schemes.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Regulators must consult and notify before setting new environmental charges Statutory regulator
Accounts and records.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency and SEPA must maintain proper accounts and records Statutory regulator
Audit: SEPA
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- SEPA must submit annual accounts to Scottish Ministers for auditing Statutory regulator
Government guarantees of a new Agency’s borrowing.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Minister may guarantee Agency borrowing and must report to Parliament Crown / Minister / Government department
Annual report.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency and SEPA must submit annual activity reports Statutory regulator
Browse 44 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
The Environment Agency.
Transfer of functions to the Agency.
Transfer of property, rights and liabilities to the Agency.
Principal aim and objectives of the Agency.
Environmental duties with respect to sites of special interest.
Codes of practice with respect to environmental and recreational duties.
Incidental functions of the Agency and the Natural Resources Body for Wales.
Advisory committee for Wales.
Environment protection advisory committees.
Regional and local fisheries advisory committees.
Change of composition of regional flood defence committee.
Power to alter composition of regional flood defence committees in Wales
Effect of order under section 16A
Power to revoke local flood defence schemes
Membership and proceedings of flood defence committees.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
Transfer of functions to SEPA.
Functions of staff commission.
Consultation with respect to drainage works.
Assessing flood risk.
Power of SEPA to purchase land compulsorily.
Power of SEPA to promote or oppose private legislation.
Procedure relating to making of byelaws.
Records held by SEPA.
Guidance on SEPA 's general purpose and on sustainable development and other aims and objectives.
Environmental duties as respects Natural Heritage Areas and sites of special interest.
Codes of practice with respect to environmental and recreational duties.
Delegation of functions by Ministers etc. to the new Agencies.
Ministerial directions to the new Agencies.
Power to make schemes imposing charges.
Charges in respect of the EU greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme
Charging schemes in respect of abstraction and impounding licences: joint charging schemes
Charging schemes in respect of abstraction and impounding licences: cross-border arrangements
Incidental power of the new Agencies to impose charges.
General financial duties.
Audit.
Grants to the new Agencies.
Borrowing powers.
Government loans to the new Agencies.
Provision of information by the new Agencies.
Inquiries and other hearings.
Appearance in legal proceedings.
Continuity of exercise of functions: the new Agencies.
Interpretation of Part I.
Part II — Contaminated Land and Abandoned Mines
Abandoned mines: England and Wales.
- Notify the Environment Agency before abandoning a mine Operator
Abandoned mines: Scotland.
Unlimited fine- Failure to notify SEPA of a proposed mine abandonment Any Person
Browse 2 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Part III — National Parks
National Park Management Plans.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- National Park authorities must create and review Management Plans Local authority
Browse 24 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Purposes of National Parks.
Duty of certain bodies and persons to have regard to the purposes for which National Parks are designated.
Establishment of National Park authorities.
National Park authorities in Wales.
General purposes and powers.
English National Park authorities: general powers
Boundaries of powers under section 65A
Power to make provision supplemental to section 65A
Procedure etc for regulations under section 65C
National Park Management Plans (England): further provision
Regulations under section 66A: procedure etc
National Park authority to be local planning authority.
Planning authority functions under National Parks legislation etc.
Planning authority functions under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Other statutory functions.
National Park authorities to be levying bodies.
National Park grant.
Capital finances and borrowing.
Validation of certain grants paid to local authorities in respect of expenditure relating to National Parks.
Powers to make orders.
Agreements as to incidental matters.
Isles of Scilly.
Minor and consequential amendments relating to National Parks.
Interpretation of Part III.
Part IV — Air Quality
Functions of the new Agencies.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environmental Agencies must follow the national air quality strategy Statutory regulator
Functions of relevant public authorities etc
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Public and local authorities must consider the air quality strategy Crown / Minister / Government department
Local authority reviews.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities must review air quality and identify emission sources Local authority
Duties of Welsh local authorities in relation to designated areas
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Welsh local authorities must create and maintain air quality action plans Local authority
Duty of air quality partners to co-operate
- Air quality partners must cooperate with local authorities Any Person
Role of air quality partners in relation to action plans
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities must notify air quality partners of new action plans Local authority
Role of the Mayor of London in relation to action plans.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Mayor of London must provide air quality measures for local action plans Crown / Minister / Government department
Role of combined county authorities in relation to action plans
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Combined county authorities must propose air quality measures to local councils Local authority
Regulations for the purposes of Part IV.
Unlimited fine- Breach of air quality regulations Any Person
Browse 13 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
National air quality strategy.
Duty to report on air quality in England
Functions of relevant Welsh public authorities etc.
Designation of air quality management areas.
Duties of English local authorities in relation to designated areas
Duties of Scottish ... local authorities in relation to designated areas.
Reserve powers of the Secretary of State or SEPA.
Functions of county councils for areas for which there are district councils.
Role of combined authorities in relation to action plans
(1) The Secretary of State may issue guidance to local...
(1) Subject to the provisions of any order under this...
Supplemental provisions.
Interpretation of Part IV.
Part V — Miscellaneous, General and Supplemental Provisions
Hedgerows.
Unlimited fine- Remove or destroy an important hedgerow without permission Any Person
- Unlawful removal or destruction of a hedgerow Any Person
Grants in connection with drainage works.
Amended 1 timeSea fisheries.
Amended 1 timePowers of enforcing authorities and persons authorised by them.
Amended 105 timesProcedure where documents removed
Amended 105 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Regulators must provide records and access to seized documents Statutory regulator
Power to deal with cause of imminent danger of serious pollution etc.
Amended 3 timesPower to issue restriction notices: England and Wales
Unlimited fine Amended 3 times- Breach of a waste facility restriction notice Any Person
- Fail to comply with a waste site restriction notice Occupier
Cancellation or variation of restriction notices
Amended 3 timesService of restriction notices etc.
Amended 3 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Authorised persons must properly serve and display restriction notices Statutory regulator
Power of court to make restriction orders: England and Wales
2 years imprisonment Amended 3 times- Breach of a court-ordered waste restriction or medical access order Any Person
Temporary orders
Amended 3 timesExtension of restriction orders
Amended 3 timesVariation or discharge of restriction orders
Amended 3 timesEnforcement of restriction orders
Amended 3 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Regulators must display restriction orders and may secure premises Statutory regulator
Appeals against decisions on restriction orders
Amended 3 timesAccess to other premises
Amended 3 timesRecovery of costs
Amended 3 timesExemption from liability
Amended 3 timesCompensation
Amended 3 timesInterpretation
Amended 3 timesOffences.
Amended 19 timesSearch and seizure of vehicles, etc.
Amended 19 timesOffences of obstructing, not co-operating, etc.
Unlimited fine Amended 19 times- Obstructing or misleading environmental officials Any Person
Handling of seized property
Amended 19 timesPower to apply enforcement powers in respect of offences
Amended 19 timesEvidence in connection with certain pollution offences.
Amended 11 timesAmendment of certain offences relating to false or misleading statements or false entries.
2 years imprisonment- Making false or misleading environmental statements Any Person
Disclosure of information.
Amended 19 times- Protect trade secrets and confidential information when sharing data Any Person
Power of Secretary of State to delegate his functions of determining, or to refer matters involved in, appeals.
Amended 34 timesApplication of this Act to the Crown.
Amended 2 timesApplication of certain other enactments to the Crown.
Amended 2 timesApplication of certain other enactments to the Isles of Scilly.
Amended 3 timesStamp duty.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Secretary of State must certify documents for stamp duty exemption Crown / Minister / Government department
Minor and consequential amendments, transitional and transitory provisions, savings and repeals.
Amended 10 timesDirections.
Amended 8 timesService of documents.
Amended 7 timesBrowse 18 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
National waste strategy.
Producer responsibility: general.
Producer responsibility: supplementary provisions.
Producer responsibility: competition matters.
Producer responsibility: offences.
Mineral planning permissions
Grants for purposes conducive to conservation.
Consultation before making or modifying certain subordinate legislation for England.
Meaning of “drainage” in certain enactments.
Other marine or aquatic environmental conservation powers.
Fixed penalty system for certain fisheries offences.
Minor and consequential amendments relating to fisheries.
Control of pollution of water in Scotland.
Statutory nuisances: Scotland.
Application of this Act to the Isles of Scilly.
Local statutory provisions: consequential amendments etc.
General interpretation.
Short title, commencement, extent, etc.
Schedules
National Park authorities
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Secretary of State must consult local councils on National Park appointments Crown / Minister / Government department
Schedule 2A to the Environmental Protection Act 1990
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Secretary of State must ensure safe and sustainable national waste management Crown / Minister / Government department
Pollution of rivers and coastal waters in Scotland: amendment of the Control of Pollution Act 1974
2 years imprisonment- Cause or permit pollution of rivers, lochs, or coastal waters Any Person
- Pollute controlled waters or impede water flow Any Person
(1) This paragraph applies in the case of any transfer...
- Cooperate with Agency to make foreign property transfer legally effective Any Person
(1) It shall be the duty of each of the...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Regulators must provide information for waste transfer schemes Statutory regulator
(1) SEPA may appoint persons who are not members of...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- SEPA must pay committee members remuneration set by the Secretary of State Statutory regulator
(1) Sections 101 to 106 of the 1972 Act (arrangements...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- National Park authorities must ensure balanced committee membership and quorum Local authority
A National Park authority shall make arrangements—
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Consult parish/community councils on National Park functions Local authority
(1) The members of a National Park authority shall elect,...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- National Park authority members must elect Chair and Deputy Chair Local authority
Air Quality: Supplemental Provisions
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities must consult business representatives on air quality plans Local authority
(1) This paragraph applies in any case where a district...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Councils must share air quality information upon reasonable request Local authority
(1) It shall be the duty of every local authority—...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities must make air quality documents publicly available Local authority
For section 14 of that Act (gratings) there shall be...
- Fail to install or maintain fish screens or by-washes Occupier
After section 30E there shall be inserted the following sections—...
Unlimited fine- Cause or permit pollution of controlled waters Any Person
Supplemental provisions with respect to powers of entry
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Regulators may obtain and use warrants to enter premises by force Statutory regulator
(1) Where any person exercises any power conferred by section...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Enforcing authority must compensate you for loss caused by its inspectors Statutory regulator
Offences relating to false or misleading statements or false entries
Unlimited fine- Provide false or misleading environmental information or records Any Person
(1) The Control of Pollution Act 1974 shall be amended...
Unlimited fine- Make false statement in consent application or fail to provide information Any Person
(1) The Water (Scotland) Act 1980 shall be amended in...
Unlimited fine- Provide false or misleading water information Any Person
(1) For section 44 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990...
Unlimited fine- Make false or misleading statements or false entries in environmental records Any Person
(1) Section 206 of the Water Resources Act 1991 (making...
Unlimited fine- Make false statements or false records in water applications Any Person
After section 34 of the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (offences...
Unlimited fine- Make false statements or records for radioactive substances registration Any Person
After section 110 of the Water (Scotland) Act 1980 there...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Crown must comply with water legislation, but cannot be prosecuted Crown / Minister / Government department
After section 125 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Crown must comply with environmental provisions of this Part Crown / Minister / Government department
After section 93 of that Act (interpretation of Part III)...
- Promote efficient water use by your customers Statutory Undertaker
After section 101 of that Act (which provides for the...
- Provide a public sewer for domestic drainage of eligible old premises Statutory Undertaker
(1) Section 120 of that Act (application for the discharge...
Unlimited fine- Fail to refer special category effluent question to Environment Agency Any Person
(1) Section 130 of that Act (reference to the Secretary...
Unlimited fine- Fail to refer special category effluent agreements to the Environment Agency Any Person
In section 133 of that Act (effect of determination on...
Unlimited fine- Fail to perform duty under determination notice (sewerage undertaker) Any Person
After section 135 there shall be inserted— Power of the...
Unlimited fine- Fail to provide information or provide false or misleading information Any Person
In section 174 of that Act (impersonation of persons exercising...
2 years imprisonment- Impersonate an authorised person with powers of entry Any Person
(1) In section 202 of that Act (information and assistance...
2 years imprisonment- Fail to provide pollution control information or assistance Any Person
In Schedule 20 to that Act (supplemental provisions with respect...
2 years imprisonment- Obstruct an authorised person exercising powers of entry Any Person
(1) Section 4 of that Act (determination of authority by...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities must keep up with air pollution control technology for local processes Local authority
(1) Section 23 of that Act (offences) shall be amended...
Fine up to £20,000- Fail to comply with environmental enforcement notice Any Person
Browse 453 other Schedules — structural / supplementary
Transfers of property etc: supplemental provisions
Supplemental and incidental powers of National Park authorities
Minor and consequential amendments relating to National Parks
Minor and consequential amendments relating to fisheries
Delegation of appellate functions of the Secretary of State
Application of certain enactments to the Crown
Minor and consequential amendments
Repeals and revocations
The Environment Agency
(1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, a...
(1) The application of the seal of the Agency shall...
(1) Any document which the Agency is authorised or required...
In this Schedule— “the appropriate Minister”, in relation to any...
The chairman or deputy chairman of the Agency shall hold...
(1) The Agency shall pay to its members such remuneration,...
(1) The Agency may appoint such officers and employees as...
Subject to the following provisions of this Schedule and to...
Subject to section 106 of the 1991 Act, anything authorised...
(1) A member who is in any way directly or...
The validity of any proceedings of the Agency shall not...
(1) Minutes shall be kept of proceedings of the Agency,...
In this Schedule— “the chief inspector”— in the application of...
(1) This paragraph applies in relation to—
(1) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph 10 above,...
(1) The property, rights and liabilities which are transferred by,...
(1) The rights and liabilities that may be transferred by...
A transfer scheme may define the property, rights and liabilities...
(1) For the purpose of making any division of property,...
(1) A transfer scheme may make such incidental, supplemental and...
(1) If at any time after a transfer scheme has...
No consideration shall be provided in respect of the transfer...
Environment protection advisory committees
(1) In this Schedule, “scheme” means a scheme prepared under...
(1) It shall be the duty of the Agency, in...
(1) A scheme shall not come into force unless it...
(1) The Agency may from time to time, and if...
(1) Before appointing a person to be a member of...
The validity of any proceedings of an advisory committee shall...
(1) The Agency shall pay to the chairman of an...
Boundaries of regional flood defence areas
(1) The relevant Minister may by order made by statutory...
(1) Before making an order under this Schedule, the relevant...
(1) Before making an order under this Schedule, the relevant...
(1) Where the relevant Minister makes an order under this...
(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, after making an order...
(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (3) below, if any person desires...
Membership and proceedings of regional and local flood defence committees
(1) Members of a flood defence committee (that is to...
(1) The Agency shall pay to any person who is...
(1) For the purpose of carrying out any functions in...
(1) Subject to section 106 of the 1991 Act and...
(1) A flood defence committee may, with the approval of...
(1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, the...
(1) Any notice or other document which a flood defence...
(1) A minute of the proceedings of a meeting of...
(1) Members of a flood defence committee appointed by or...
(1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, a...
(1) The office of a member of a flood defence...
(1) The chairman of a regional flood defence committee may...
(1) The chairman of a local flood defence committee may...
(1) Where, for any reason whatsoever, the office of a...
Subject to the provisions of this Schedule, a member of...
(1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, a...
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency
SEPA shall be a body corporate with a common seal....
(1) There shall be a chief officer of SEPA.
SEPA may appoint such other employees as it thinks fit....
(1) SEPA shall, in the case of such of its...
(1) SEPA may regulate its own procedure and that of...
(1) Anything authorised or required by or under any enactment...
(1) Without prejudice to the generality of its power to...
(1) A member who is in any way directly or...
(1) Minutes shall be kept of proceedings of SEPA and...
Subject to section 38 of this Act, SEPA shall not—...
SEPA shall consist of not less than eight, nor more...
In making appointments under paragraph 3 above, the Secretary of...
Subject to paragraphs 7 and 8 below, each member—
The Secretary of State may, by order made by statutory...
The Secretary of State may remove a member from office...
(1) The Secretary of State shall appoint one of the...
(1) SEPA shall— (a) pay to its members such remuneration...
(1) A National Park authority shall be a body corporate....
(1) Sections 94 to 98 of the 1972 Act (restrictions...
(1) . . . . . . . . ....
(1) The following provisions, that is to say—
(1) Every National Park authority for a National Park shall...
Section 265 of the Public Health Act 1875 (personal liability...
(1) The Local Government (Records) Act 1962 shall have effect...
(1) In section 25(1) of the Local Government Act 1974...
(1) The local authority members of a National Park authority...
In this Schedule “the relevant order”, in relation to a...
(1) The parish members of an English National Park authority...
(1) Before appointing any person as a member of a...
(1) The Secretary of State may, by giving a local...
(1) A person is disqualified for becoming or remaining a...
Section 85 of the 1972 Act (failure to attend meetings)...
Section 31 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989...
(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, the following provisions, that...
In section 67(3) of the Local Government and Housing Act...
In section 152(2) of that Act of 1989 (provisions as...
Section 25 of the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994 (service...
Part II of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994...
(1) After section 244 of the Town and Country Planning...
(1) The following provisions of the 1972 Act shall also...
Section 146 of the 1972 Act (transfer of securities on...
The Local Authorities (Goods and Services) Act 1970 (supply of...
Any power to execute works which is conferred on a...
(1) Section 239 of the 1972 Act (power of local...
(1) Part III of the Local Government, Planning and Land...
Part II of the Local Government Act 1986 (restrictions on...
Miscellaneous statutory functions of National Park authorities
(1) The enactments specified in sub-paragraph (2) below shall have...
(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, Parts I and II...
The following provisions of the Highways Act 1980, that is...
The following provisions, that is to say—
(1) In the case of a building situated in a...
(1) For the purposes of the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act...
Sections 294 to 297 of the Charities Act 2011 (local...
The Local Government (Overseas Assistance) Act 1993 shall have effect...
The Open Spaces Act 1906 shall have effect as if...
Sections 21 and 22 of the National Parks and Access...
In the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960—...
In the Mobile Homes (Wales) Act 2013—
The Countryside Act 1968 shall have effect as if a...
Sections 142 and 144 of the 1972 Act (provision of...
The provisions of section 16 of the Welsh Development Agency...
Section 19 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976...
(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, references to a local...
(1) In subsection (1)(a) of section 80 of the 1972...
In section 13(7) of the Employment Agencies Act 1973 (cases...
In section 28 of the Health and Safety at Work...
(1) In section 1(14) of the Welsh Development Agency Act...
In sections 1 and 2 of the Local Land Charges...
(1) In section 19A of the Race Relations Act 1976...
In section 5(3) of the Rent (Agriculture) Act 1976 (no...
In section 14 of the Rent Act 1977 (exemption from...
(1) In section 6 of the National Parks and Access...
(1) In section 17(3) of the Acquisition of Land Act...
(1) In section 39(5)(a) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act...
In section 60(3) of the County Courts Act 1984 (right...
(1) In section 43 of the Housing Act 1985 (consent...
(1) In sections 14(4) and 26(1) of, and in paragraph...
In section 58(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987...
In Schedule 3 to the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act...
In paragraph 12(2) of Schedule 1 to the Housing Act...
In section 144(2)(a)(i) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (exemptions...
In section 69(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954...
(1) Paragraph 2(6) of Schedule 8 to the Electricity Act...
(1) In section 21(1) of the Local Government and Housing...
(1) In paragraph (a) of section 1(5) of the Town...
(1) The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990...
(1) The references to a National Park authority in the...
In section 35 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992...
In section 1(10) of the Local Government (Overseas Assistance) Act...
In section 6(1) of the Welsh Language Act 1993 (bodies...
(1) In Schedule 6 to the Local Government (Wales) Act...
(1) Paragraph 55(2) of Schedule 16 to the 1972 Act...
In section 11 of the Trustee Investments Act 1961 (local...
In section 50(3) of the Agriculture Act 1967 (bodies transfers...
In section 28 of the Leasehold Reform Act 1967 (retention...
(1) In section 4(1) of the Countryside Act 1968 (experimental...
In section 3 of the Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act...
(1) A local authority in carrying out its functions in...
(1) The appropriate authority may give directions to any two...
(1) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (o) of...
Review of Old Mineral Planning Permissions
(1) In this Schedule— “ dormant site ” means a...
(1) This paragraph applies in a case where—
(1) Where the mineral planning authority— (a) on an application...
(1) Subject to paragraph 8(11) above, where no application under...
(1) The Secretary of State may give directions requiring applications...
(1) Where a mineral planning authority has received from any...
(1) This paragraph applies in a case where—
(1) This paragraph applies to appeals under any of the...
(1) This paragraph has effect for the purposes of determining...
(1) A mineral planning authority shall, in accordance with the...
(1) A mineral planning authority shall, in accordance with the...
(1) This paragraph makes provision for the advertisement of the...
(1) Any person who is the owner of any land,...
(1) Any person who is the owner of any land,...
(1) The mineral planning authority shall, no later than the...
(1) Any person who is the owner of any land,...
Periodic Review of Mineral Planning Permissions
The mineral planning authority for an area in Wales shall,...
(1) Where an application has been made under paragraph 6...
(1) Where a mineral planning authority have received from any...
(A1) This paragraph applies— (a) where a mineral planning authority...
(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) an application made under...
(1) For the purposes of this Schedule— “ first review...
(1) In the application of this Schedule in relation to...
(1) In the application of this Schedule in relation to...
(A1) This paragraph has effect for the purposes of paragraphs...
(1) The Secretary of State may by order specify a...
(A1) This paragraph applies— (a) where a mineral planning authority...
(1) Any person who is the owner of any land,...
(1) Any person who is the owner of any land,...
Where no application under paragraph 6 above in respect of...
(1) The Secretary of State may give directions requiring applications...
(1) Where on an application under paragraph 6 above the...
The mineral planning authority for an area in England may,...
In this Schedule— “local statutory provision” means— a provision of...
In section 9(1) of that Act (owner or occupier of...
(1) In section 10 of that Act, in subsection (1)...
(1) In section 11 of that Act (Minister’s consents and...
(1) In section 15 of that Act (power of National...
In section 17 of that Act (restrictions on taking salmon...
In section 18 of that Act (provisions supplementary to Part...
In section 30 of that Act, the paragraph defining “fish...
(1) In section 35 of that Act (power to require...
After subsection (1A) of section 39 of that Act (application...
(1) Subject to— (a) the following provisions of this Schedule,...
In section 41(1) of that Act (general definitions) the following...
In subsection (3) of section 43 of that Act (extent...
In paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 to that Act (close...
In section 9(1)(d) of the Diseases of Fish Act 1983...
In section 37(3) of the Salmon Act 1986 (byelaws requiring...
In section 115 of the Water Resources Act 1991, in...
(1) In paragraph 6 of Schedule 25 to that Act...
(1) If it appears to the Minister or the Secretary...
(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, in the Diseases of...
(1) The provisions of section 1 of the Sea Fisheries...
In section 18(1) of the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967...
In section 5 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act...
In section 6(3) of that Act (definition of “unauthorised fixed...
In section 8(2) of that Act (fishing mill dams to...
The Control of Pollution Act 1974, as it has effect...
Sections 31(1), (2), (3), (7) and (10) (offences relating to...
In section 31(8) (maximum penalties) for the words “paragraphs (a)...
In section 31B(4)(d) (nitrate sensitive areas: maximum penalties) for the...
In section 34(3) (consents for discharges of trade and effluent)...
In section 39(1)(a) (appeals to the Secretary of State) for...
In section 56(1) (interpretation etc of Part II) the following...
In section 87(3) (time-bar in relation to legal proceedings)—
Statutory nuisances: Scotland
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 shall be amended in accordance...
In section 79 (statutory nuisances etc)— (a) in subsection (1)(ga)...
In section 80 (summary proceedings) in subsection (3) after the...
In section 81 (supplementary provisions)— (a) in subsection (2) after...
In section 81A at the end, as subsection (10), and...
In section 82 (proceedings by persons aggrieved)—
In Schedule 3 (statutory nuisance; supplementary provisions)—
In the Radioactive Substances Act 1993, in Part II of...
(1) In this Schedule— “designated person” means an authorised person,...
(1) If it is shown to the satisfaction of a...
A person designated as the person who may exercise a...
(1) Subject to section 108(12) of this Act, information obtained...
A person who, in the exercise of a relevant power...
In section 7(3)(b) of the Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act...
In this Schedule— “appointed person” means a person appointed under...
An appointment under section 114(1)(a) of this Act must be...
Subject to the provisions of this Schedule, an appointed person...
(1) If either of the parties to an appeal, matter...
(1) In relation to England and Wales, subsections (2) to...
(1) Where under paragraph 2(c) above the appointment of the...
(1) Anything done or omitted to be done by an...
(1) For section 221 of the Water Industry Act 1991...
(1) The Water Resources Act 1991 shall be amended in...
For section 55 of the Sewerage (Scotland) Act 1968 (Crown...
For subsection (3) of section 105 of the Control of...
(1) The Alkali, &c, Works Regulation Act 1906 shall be...
In section 26 (interpretation) in subsection (1), there shall be...
In section 40A of that Act (variation and termination of...
(1) In section 71 of that Act (waste from water...
In section 110A of that Act (new connections with public...
In section 123 of that Act (appeals with respect to...
In section 127 of that Act (review by the Secretary...
In section 131 of that Act (review by the Secretary...
In Schedule 2 to the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 (departments...
(1) Section 132 of that Act (powers and procedure on...
In section 134 of that Act (compensation in respect of...
(1) Section 142 of that Act (powers of undertakers to...
In section 143 of that Act (charges schemes) after subsection...
Section 151 of that Act shall cease to have effect....
In section 161 of that Act (power to deal with...
In section 166 of that Act (consents for certain discharges...
In section 184 of that Act (power of certain undertakers...
(1) In section 38(3) of the Sewerage (Scotland) Act 1968...
In section 202 of that Act (duties of undertakers to...
(1) In section 206 of that Act (restriction on disclosure...
In section 209 of that Act (civil liability of undertakers...
In section 215 of that Act (local inquiries) in subsection...
In section 217 of that Act (construction of provisions conferring...
In section 219 of that Act (general interpretation) in subsection...
In Schedule 11 to that Act (orders conferring compulsory works...
In Schedule 13 to that Act (protective provisions in respect...
Subject to the other provisions of this Act, in the...
The Local Authorities (Goods and Services) Act 1970 (supply of...
In section 15 of that Act (general duties with respect...
In section 20 of that Act (water resources management schemes)...
(1) In section 21 of that Act (minimum acceptable flows)...
In section 43 of that Act (appeals to the Secretary...
(1) In section 50 of that Act, in subsection (1)...
(1) Section 73 of that Act (power to make ordinary...
(1) The Agriculture Act 1970 shall be amended in accordance...
After section 79 of that Act (compensation and charges where...
In section 80 of that Act (offences against drought orders)—...
After section 90 of that Act (offences in connection with...
(1) In section 91 of that Act (appeals in respect...
In section 92 of that Act (requirements to take precautions...
In section 96 of that Act (regulations with respect to...
(1) In section 110 of that Act (applications for consents...
(1) The Prevention of Oil Pollution Act 1971 shall be...
(1) Section 118 of that Act (special duties with respect...
(1) In section 119 of that Act (duties with respect...
In section 154 of that Act (compulsory purchase etc) in...
In section 156 of that Act (acquisition of land etc...
In section 157 of that Act (restriction on disposals of...
In section 158 of that Act (works agreements for water...
(1) Section 161 of that Act (anti-pollution works and operations)...
After that section there shall be inserted— Notices requiring persons...
In section 162 of that Act (other powers to deal...
In section 166 of that Act (power to carry out...
In section 169 of that Act (powers of entry for...
In section 172 of that Act (powers of entry for...
(1) Section 190 of that Act (pollution control register) shall...
In section 223 of the Local Government Act 1972 (which...
After section 191 of that Act (register for the purposes...
(1) Section 204 of that Act (restriction on disclosure of...
(1) Section 221(1) of that Act (general interpretation) shall be...
In section 25(1) of the Local Government Act 1974 (authorities...
In Schedule 5 to that Act (procedure relating to statements...
In Schedule 6 to that Act (orders providing for exemption...
In Schedule 10 to that Act (discharge consents) after paragraph...
For that Schedule there shall be substituted— Schedule 10 Discharge...
In Schedule 11 to that Act (water protection zone orders)...
In Schedule 12 to that Act (nitrate sensitive area orders)...
In Schedule 13 to that Act (transitional water pollution provisions)...
(1) In Schedule 15 to that Act (supplemental provisions with...
In Schedule 22 to that Act (protection for particular undertakings)...
(1) Section 5 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974...
In Schedule 25 to that Act (byelaw-making powers) in paragraph...
In the Land Drainage Act 1991, for the words “NRA”,...
(1) In section 23 of that Act (prohibition on obstructions...
At the beginning of Part V of that Act (miscellaneous...
(1) In section 72 of that Act, in subsection (1)...
In section 2 of the Clean Air Act 1993 (emission...
(1) Section 19 of that Act (power to require creation...
In section 59 of that Act (local inquiries) in subsection...
In section 60(7)(b) of that Act as it applies to...
In section 63(1)(c) of that Act as it applies to...
In the Statistics of Trade Act 1947, after section 9...
(1) Section 6 of that Act (provisions supplementary to section...
(1) Section 7 of that Act (variation of conditions and...
(1) Section 8 of that Act (transfer and relinquishment of...
In section 40 of that Act (radioactivity to be disregarded...
(1) Section 9 of that Act (supervision of licensed activities)...
(1) In Schedule 3 to that Act (enactments, other than...
In Schedule 9 to the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994...
(1) In section 2(2) of the Local Government etc. (Scotland)...
(1) In any subordinate legislation or local statutory provisions, for...
(1) Section 10 of that Act (appeals to Secretary of...
In section 11 of that Act (special provision for land...
(1) Section 16 of that Act (removal of waste deposited...
In section 30 of that Act (interpretation of Part I)...
In section 62(2)(a) of that Act (exceptions to restrictions on...
(1) The Control of Pollution Act 1974, as it has...
(1) The Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) (Scotland) Act 1951 shall...
(1) The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974...
In Part II of Schedule 1 to the House of...
(1) The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1975 shall be amended...
In section 44 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act...
(1) The Water (Scotland) Act 1980 shall be amended in...
(1) In section 1 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act...
(1) The Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989 shall be...
In the First Schedule to the Public Records Act 1958...
In Schedule 4 to that Act (other powers etc. of...
In Schedule 5 to that Act (water rights) in paragraph...
In section 2 of the Town and Country Planning Act...
In Schedule 5 to the Town and Country Planning Act...
In Schedule 6 to that Act (determination of certain appeals...
(1) Section 1 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (interpretation...
Section 5 of that Act (further provision for Scotland as...
In section 6 of that Act, in subsection (2) (fee...
(1) In section 7 of that Act (conditions of authorisations)...
(1) In section 7(8) of the Opencast Coal Act 1958...
(1) Section 8 of that Act (fees and charges for...
(1) Section 10 of that Act (variation of authorisations by...
In section 11 of that Act (application by holders of...
At the end of section 13 of that Act (enforcement...
(1) Section 15 of that Act (appeals against certain authorisations...
Sections 16 to 18 of that Act (appointment of inspectors,...
In section 19 of that Act (obtaining of information from...
(1) Section 20 of that Act (public registers of information)...
(1) Section 22 of that Act (exclusion from registers of...
In section 10 of the Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) (Scotland)...
(1) In section 27 of that Act (power of chief...
(1) In section 28 of that Act, in subsection (1)...
(1) Section 30 of that Act (authorities for purposes of...
Section 31 of that Act (power to create regional authorities...
In section 33 of that Act (prohibition on unauthorised or...
In section 34 of that Act (duty of care etc...
(1) Section 35 of that Act (waste management licences: general)...
After section 35 of that Act there shall be inserted—...
(1) Section 36 of that Act (grant of licences) shall...
After section 36 of that Act there shall be inserted—...
(1) In section 3 of the Nuclear Installations Act 1965,...
(1) In section 37 of that Act (variation of licences)...
After section 37 of that Act there shall be inserted—...
(1) In section 38 of that Act (revocation and suspension...
(1) Section 39 of that Act (surrender of licences) shall...
In section 40 of that Act (transfer of licences) in...
Section 41 of that Act (fees and charges for licences)...
(1) Section 42 of that Act (supervision of licensed activities)...
In section 43 of that Act, in subsection (2), paragraphs...
Section 50 of that Act (waste disposal plans of waste...
Section 61 of that Act (duty of waste regulation authorities...
In section 4 of that Act (attachment of conditions to...
(1) Section 62 of that Act (special provision with respect...
In section 63 of that Act (waste other than controlled...
(1) Section 64 of that Act (public registers) shall be...
(1) In section 66 of that Act (exclusion from registers...
Section 67 of that Act (annual reports of waste regulation...
Sections 68 to 70 of that Act (functions of the...
(1) In section 71 of that Act (obtaining of information...
Section 72 of that Act (default powers of the Secretary...
(1) Section 75 of that Act (meaning of “waste” etc.)...
(1) Section 79 of that Act (statutory nuisances) shall be...
In section 5 of that Act (revocation and surrender of...
In section 141 of that Act (power to prohibit or...
Section 143 of that Act (public registers of land which...
In section 161 of that Act (regulations and orders) in...
(1) Schedule 1 to that Act (authorisations for processes: supplementary...
In Schedule 2 to that Act (waste disposal authorities and...
After Schedule 2A to that Act there shall be inserted—...
(1) The Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 shall be amended...
In section 3 of the Water Industry Act 1991 (general...
In section 5 of that Act (codes of practice with...
In section 40 of that Act (bulk supplies of water)...
Transitional and transitory provisions and savings
In this Part of this Schedule, the “transfer date” has...
(1) Nothing in this Act shall prevent the completion on...
(1) Where for any year, a Rate Support Grant Report...
(1) Nothing in this Act shall prevent the completion on...
As respects England and Wales, any resolution passed in pursuance...
(1) Any approval or certificate given under or by virtue...
(1) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (4) of...
(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, if, at the transfer...
If, at the transfer date, the content of the strategy...
(1) This paragraph applies to— (a) any resolution of a...
(1) Where, before the coming into force of the repeal...
Any directions given to the National Rivers Authority for the...
Notwithstanding any provision restricting the power of the Agency to...
(1) This paragraph applies to any consent—
Where a person is disqualified for membership of a regional...
(1) In any case where— (a) immediately before the coming...
In this Part of this Schedule, “the Consequential Provisions Act”...
If and so long as the Agency requires, on and...
(1) Without prejudice to section 55 of this Act, any...
(1) The first report prepared by the Agency under section...
Notwithstanding the repeal by this Act of subsection (9) of...
(1) Where a body corporate constituted as a Welsh National...
Any dispensation which was granted under the proviso to subsection...
(1) Such of the administrative and departmental records (in whatever...
Official guidance
Authoritative sources published by regulators or government explaining this legislation.
- Natural Resources Wales / What to think about when planning your constructed wetland (opens in a new tab) from NRW Detailed Guidance
- Legislative framework | Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) (opens in a new tab) from SEPA Detailed Guidance
- FAQs | Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) (opens in a new tab) from SEPA Detailed Guidance
- Legislation - Ofwat (opens in a new tab) from Ofwat Detailed Guidance
- Apply for a Part A(1) environmental permit (opens in a new tab) from Environment Agency Detailed Guidance
- Medium combustion plant permits (GOV.UK) (opens in a new tab) from Environment Agency Detailed Guidance
- Ancient woodland, ancient trees and veteran trees - planning advice (opens in a new tab) from Natural England Detailed Guidance
- Hedgerow regulation and management (GOV.UK guidance) (opens in a new tab) from Natural England Detailed Guidance
- GOV.UK BNG guidance (opens in a new tab) from MHCLG Detailed Guidance
- New nuclear power plants: Generic design assessment guidance for requesting parties (opens in a new tab) from Environment Agency Publication
Enforcement and responsible bodies
The regulators that administer or enforce this legislation.
Environment Agency
PrimaryEnvironmental protection in England. Regulates waste, emissions, water quality, flood risk, and environmental permits for industrial activities. Enforces environmental law and issues …
North Sea Transition Authority
Licenses and regulates the UK oil and gas, offshore hydrogen, and carbon storage industries. Issues petroleum production licences and CO2 storage licences. …
Marine Management Organisation
Licenses marine activities in English waters, including construction, dredging, and deposits at sea. Issues marine licences for offshore renewable energy projects below …
Office for Environmental Protection
Independent body established post-Brexit to scrutinise environmental law and investigate complaints about public authorities' failures to comply with environmental law in England …
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Government department responsible for environmental protection, food production and standards, agriculture, fisheries, and rural communities. Sets environmental policy and works with agencies …
Scottish Environment Protection Agency
Scotland's principal environmental regulator. Protects and improves Scotland's environment. Issues environmental permits for waste, emissions, water abstraction, and radioactive substances. Enforces environmental …
Connected legislation
37 statutory instruments
These instruments amend, apply, or refer to this Act. They may not all create direct business obligations.
Secondary legislation (37)
- The Special Waste Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2004 2004
- The Environment Act 1995 (Commencement and Saving Provision) (Wales) Order 2001 2001
- The Environment Act 1995 (Commencement No. 16 and Saving Provision) (England) Order 2000 2000
- The Environment Act 1995 (Commencement No. 17 and Savings Provision) (Scotland) Order 2000 2000
- The Environment Act 1995 (Commencement No. 18) (England and Wales) Order 2000 2000
- The Environment Act 1995 (Commencement No. 18) (Scotland) Order 2000 2000
- The Environment Act 1995 (Commencement No. 19) (Scotland) Order 2000 2000
- The Environment Act 1995 (Commencement No. 20 and Saving Provision) (Wales) Order 2001 2001
- The Environment Act 1995 (Commencement No. 21) (Scotland) Order 2003 2003
- The Environment Act 1995 (Commencement No. 22) (Scotland) Order 2004 2004
- The Environment Act 1995 (Commencement No. 23) (England and Wales) Order 2006 2006
- The Environment Act 1995 (Commencement No. 24) (Scotland) Order 2015 2015
- The Environment Act 1995 (Commencement No. 25) Order 2017 2017
- The Environment Act 1995 (Commencement No. 26) Order 2020 2020
- The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Charging Schemes) Regulations 2012 2012
+ 22 more statutory instruments
Explore more
Browse legislation
Find other UK business legislation with related guidance.
Regulators
Learn more about the bodies that enforce this legislation.