The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004

Preparation of environmental report

11.—(1) Where an environmental assessment is required by any provision of Part II, the responsible authority shall prepare, or secure the preparation of, an environmental report in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3).

(2) The report shall identify, describe and evaluate the likely significant effects on the environment of –

(a) implementing the plan or programme; and

(b) reasonable alternatives taking into account the objectives and geographical scope of the plan or programme.

(3) The report shall include such of the information referred to in Schedule 2 that may reasonably be required, taking account of –

(a) current knowledge and methods of assessment;

(b) the contents and level of detail in the plan or programme;

(c) the stage of the plan or programme in the decision-making process; and

(d) the extent to which certain matters are more appropriately assessed at different levels in that process in order to avoid duplication of the assessment.

(4) Information referred to in Schedule 2 may be provided by reference to relevant information obtained at other levels of decision-making or through other Community legislation.

(5) When deciding on the scope and level of detail of the information that must be included in the report, the responsible authority shall consult the consultation body.

(6) Where the consultation body wishes to respond to a consultation under paragraph (5), it shall do so within the period of 5 weeks beginning with the date on which it receives the responsible authority’s invitation to engage in the consultation.