9.—(1) Before applying for consent in relation to a project, a proposer may request the Department to give its opinion as to the information to be contained in any environmental statement required for that project.
(2) Where a proposer requests an opinion under paragraph (1) before a determination has been made whether a project is or would be a relevant project, the Department shall deal with the request on the assumption that the project is a relevant project.
(3) A request under paragraph (1) shall include or be accompanied by —
(a)a map or plan sufficient to identify the land that is the subject of the proposed project and the extent of the proposed project;
(b)a brief description of the nature, size and location of the proposed project and of its possible effects on the environment; and
(c)such further information or representations as the proposer may wish to provide or make.
(4) The Department shall, if it considers that it has not been provided with sufficient information to enable it to give an opinion under paragraph (1), notify the proposer in writing of the matters on which it requires additional information and the proposer shall supply that additional information to the Department within such period as the Department reasonably may require.
(5) The Department shall give to the proposer written notice of its opinion under paragraph (1) within —
(a)5 weeks beginning with the date of its receipt of the application for that opinion or, where it notifies the proposer under paragraph (4) that it requires additional information, the date of its receipt of that information; or
(b)such longer period as may be agreed in writing between the Department and the proposer.
(6) Before giving an opinion under paragraph (1) the Department shall consult the consultation bodies.
(7) In giving an opinion under paragraph (1) the Department shall take into account—
(a)the specific characteristics of the proposed project; and
(b)the environmental features likely to be affected by the project.