A Permit is a company’s licence to operate. To obtain a permit for an activity, applicants must demonstrate that the Best Available Techniques (BAT) will be used to prevent, minimise or render harmless polluting releases. BAT covers all aspects of the way in which the installation is managed and operated , including design, emission standards, staff training and qualifications, and working methods.
The BAT approach requires that the cost of applying techniques is not excessive in relation to the environmental protection they provide. New installations must meet BAT immediately. For existing installations there is a requirement to upgrade to meet BAT or close down.
The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010 specify whether an installation is a Part A1, Part A2 or Part B and lists the substances to be controlled. Part A1 and Part A2 activities are controlled in respect of emissions to air, land and water, energy efficiency, minimising waste and preventing contamination of land. Part B activities are only controlled in respect to emissions to air. Part A1 installations are regulated by the Environment Agency and Part A2 and B installations, are regulated by the local authority.
The local authority will impose permit conditions having regard to the relevant guidance issued by the Secretary of State and other legislation such as the Solvent Emission Regulations 2004. The conditions must be clear, relevant, enforceable and workable.
An operator must pay the relevant fee on application (see section Applying for a Permit) and an annual subsistence fee to support the local authority’s ongoing costs for carrying out inspections, checking monitoring data etc. Local authorities are required to keep separate accounts of income from fees and charges and their expenditure on these functions.
The permit procedure is set out in the Secretary of State’s Guidance, "General Guidance Manual on Policy and Procedures for A2 and B installations" available on the Defra website. Process guidance notes for part B and sector guidance notes for part A2 are available on the Defra website. Links are shown on this page.
Copies of permits can be inspected at Leeds City Council, Knowsthorpe Gate, Cross Green, Leeds LS9 0NP. Please contact 0113 39 51153 or 0113 39 51156 to arrange an appointment.