Environmental Permit Delays

Environmental permit delays at the Environment Agency still persist years after the initial delays caused by the pandemic. Shortages of staff and increased regulation have driven longer queues in the permitting process.

We are currently advising our clients to allow at least 6-10 months for a standard rules permit. At least between a year to 18 months for a bespoke permit.

When you consider that many new small businesses cannot operate until they have a permit. Many are paying rent on a site or unit whilst they wait for a permit to operate. The the consequences to industry are serious.

It may take the Environment Agency up to 6 months just to allocate your application to an officer. Add on the various questions that come back and schedule 5 requests for more information that are issued. Then you are looking at a significant bottleneck.

At Paul Downing & Associates, we have had several bespoke or installation permits that have taken well over two years to determine. Admittedly these have been rather complex application involving either novel or complex industrial processes. Standard rules permits are supposed to be much more easy to apply for due to the pre-published conditions in them. However many require the pre-approval of a fire prevention plan. These may need several revisions before they are finally approved.

Environmental Permit Delays

In conclusion. If you need to get a permit for a process from the Environment Agency, it pays to plan ahead. The environmental permit delays currently experienced means that you need to apply at least a year in advance of commissioning your site.

If you need support with a permit application or want expert advice on how to best scope the requirements for your permit application. Call us today for an initial consultation. Use the contact details on out contacts page or call 07790147084.