Consideration of whether planning permission should be granted
25.—(1) When determining an application or appeal in relation to which an environmental statement has been submitted the relevant planning authority or the Welsh Ministers, as the case may be, must—
(a)examine the environmental information;
(b)reach a reasoned conclusion on the significant effects of the proposed development on the environment, taking into account the examination referred to in sub-paragraph (a) and, where appropriate, their own supplementary examination;
(c)integrate that conclusion into the decision as to whether planning permission or subsequent consent is to be granted; and
(d)if planning permission or subsequent consent is to be granted, consider whether it is appropriate to impose monitoring measures.
(2) The reasoned conclusion referred to in paragraph (1) must be up to date when the determination is made; and that conclusion must be taken to be up to date if in the opinion of the relevant planning authority or the Welsh Ministers, as the case may be, it addresses the significant effects that are likely to arise as a result of the development proposed.
(3) When considering whether to impose a monitoring measure under paragraph (1)(d), the relevant planning authority or the Welsh Ministers, as appropriate, must—
(a)if monitoring is considered to be appropriate, consider whether to make provision for potential remedial action;
(b)take steps to ensure that the type of parameters to be monitored and the duration of the monitoring are proportionate to the nature, location and size of the proposed development and the significance of its effects on the environment; and
(c)consider, in order to avoid duplication of monitoring, whether monitoring arrangements required under Union legislation (other than legislation implementing the requirements of the Directive) or other legislation applicable in Wales are more appropriate than imposing monitoring measures.
(4) In cases where no statutory timescale is in place the determination of the relevant planning authority or the Welsh Ministers, the case may be, must be made within a reasonable period of time, taking into account the nature and complexity of the proposed development, from the date on which the relevant planning authority or the Welsh Ministers have been provided with the environmental information.