Part 1Environmental assessment for plans and programmes
8Exemptions: screening
1
The responsible authority shall determine whether or not—
a
a plan or programme of a description set out in section 5(3) which determines the use of small areas at local levels;
b
a minor modification to a plan or programme of a description set out in section 5(3);
c
a plan or programme of the description set out in section 5(3)(c);
d
a plan or programme of the description set out in section 5(4) which is not exempt by virtue of section 7(1),
is likely to have significant environmental effects.
2
Where the responsible authority determines under subsection (1) that a plan or programme is unlikely to have significant environmental effects—
a
that plan or programme is exempt; and
b
the authority shall prepare a statement of its reasons for the determination.
3
In making a determination under subsection (1), the responsible authority shall apply the criteria specified in schedule 2.
4
The statement of reasons under subsection (2)(b) shall, in particular, state how the criteria mentioned in subsection (3) were applied when making the determination.