Environmental Permitting

The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 requires certain industrial installations to obtain an environmental permit before they are allowed to operate.
The Regulations cover a diverse range of industrial processes from dry cleaners and petrol stations to metal foundries. Some processes require a permit by definition, whilst others only need a permit if they exceed certain specified thresholds such as solvent consumption or capacity.

The list of industrial activities covered by the Environmental Permitting regime is listed in Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Regulations. This list is split into three categories - Part A (1), Part A (2) and Part B.

The Environment Agency regulates Part A (1) processes which are considered to be the most polluting activities and all emissions are covered by the permit as well as energy efficiency, noise and the use of resources depending on the industrial process.

Local Authorities are responsible for regulating Part A (2) for all emissions and Part B activities for emissions to air only.

Permit conditions are set according to the 'Best Available Technique' (BAT) and the guidance note for each process.  Permit conditions set out emission limits and other abatement techniques such as maintenance and appropriate staff training.

Costs for applying for and maintaining a permit are set by DEFRA (Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs), not the Council.

The Council inspects the processes from twice per year to once every 3 years depending on its pollution risk, or in response to complaints. These inspection targets are set by DEFRA.

For further information, applications and fees please select the links to DEFRA below:

• Applications
• Charges for the Part A (2) category of permitted installations
• Charges for the Part B category of permitted installations

If you wish to contact the Environmental Protection team you may email environmentalprotection@kettering.gov.uk or call the team on 01536 534366.