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[F1PART VAE+WENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

Textual Amendments

F1Pt. VA substituted (13.3.1999) by S.I. 1999/369, reg.2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1Pt. 5A power to amend or repeal conferred (26.12.2023) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), ss. 164(3), 255(5), Sch. 14 Pt. 1 (with s. 247)

[F2105ZA.InterpretationE+W

(1)In this Part —

[F6(1A)In this Part, references to provisions of the Directive are to be read as if—

(a)in Annex III—

(i)in point 2(c)(v), the reference to Member States were a reference to the Secretary of State;

(ii)in point 2(c)(vi), the reference to Union legislation were a reference to [F5assimilated] law;

(b)in Annex IV—

(i)in the text following point 5(g), the words “established at Union or Member State level” were omitted;

(ii)in point 8 the following were substituted for the second sentence—

“Relevant information available and obtained through risk assessments pursuant to [F5assimilated] law, such as any law of any part of the United Kingdom which implemented Directive 2012/18/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council or Council Directive 2009/71/Euratom, or relevant assessments undertaken under other domestic legislation may be used for this purpose provided that the requirements of any law of any part of the United Kingdom which implemented this Directive are met.”]

(2)A project is a “relevant project” if the area of the completed works together with any area occupied during the period of construction or improvement by requisite apparatus, equipment, machinery, materials, plant, spoil heaps or other such facilities exceeds 1 hectare or if it, or any part of it, is situated in a sensitive area.

(3)For the purposes of this Part, the effects of a project on the environment include—

(a)any effects on the environment which arise (directly or indirectly) from the operation of the project;

(b)any expected effects on the environment which derive (directly or indirectly) from the vulnerability of the project to the risks of major accidents or disasters.

(4)References to the adverse, likely or significant effects of a project on the environment are to be read accordingly.

(5)Publication by the project authority for the purposes of this Part is to be—

(a)in the London Gazette,

(b)in at least one local newspaper circulating in the area in which the project for the construction or improvement of the highway is proposed to be situated, and

(c)on an official website.]

Textual Amendments

[F7105A Screening of projects for constructing or improving highwaysE+W

(1)If a project authority is considering a project for constructing or improving a highway for which it is the highway authority, the project authority must, before details of the project are published, determine—

(a)whether or not the project [F8is of a type specified in] Annex I or Annex II, and

(b)if it considers the project is a relevant project [F9of a type specified in] Annex II, whether it should be made subject to an environmental impact assessment.

(2)In this Part “project authority” means—

(a)the Secretary of State,

(b)the Welsh Ministers, or

(c)a strategic highways company.

(3)When making a determination under subsection (1)(b), a project authority must have regard to the following—

(a)the information [F10described in] Annex II.A,

(b)the selection criteria [F11set out] in Annex III,

(c)any features of the project or measures envisaged to avoid or prevent what might otherwise be significant adverse effects on the environment, and

(d)the results of any relevant environmental assessment which are reasonably available to the authority.

(4)The project authority must make a determination under subsection (1)(b)—

(a)as soon as possible, and

(b)in any event within the period of 90 days beginning with the day on which it has access to the information mentioned in paragraphs (a), (c) and (d) of subsection (3).

(5)If the project authority is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so by reason of exceptional circumstances relating to a project (including circumstances relating to the nature, complexity, location or size of project), it may extend the period specified in subsection (4)(b).

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

105AA.ExemptionsE+W

(1)A project to which subsection (2) applies is to be treated in the same way as a project that the project authority considers [F12is not of a type specified in] Annex I or Annex II.

(2)This subsection applies to a project if—

(a)the Secretary of State directs that the project is a defence project, or

(b)the project authority determines that—

(i)the project is a civil emergency project, or

(ii)the exemption in subsection (6) applies to the project.

(3)The Secretary of State may direct that a project is a defence project only if satisfied that—

(a)the project has national defence as its sole purpose, and

(b)carrying out an environmental impact assessment would have an adverse effect on the fulfilment of that purpose.

(4)The Secretary of State must send a copy of any direction given under subsection (3)—

(a)to the Welsh Ministers, if the Welsh Ministers are the highway authority for the highway to which the project relates;

(b)to the strategic highways company, if the company is the highway authority for the highway to which the project relates.

(5)A project authority may determine that a project is a civil emergency project only if satisfied that—

(a)the project has the response to a civil emergency as its sole purpose, and

(b)carrying out an environmental impact assessment in respect of the project would have an adverse effect on the fulfilment of that purpose.

(6)A project authority may determine that this subsection applies to a project only if satisfied that—

(a)it is appropriate to do so by reason of exceptional circumstances,

(b)carrying out an environmental impact assessment in respect of the project would have an adverse effect on the fulfilment of the purpose of the project,

(c)the objectives of the Directive will be met even though such an assessment is not carried out, and

(d)the project is unlikely to have significant effects on the environment in [F13an EEA state] .

(7)Before making a determination under subsection (6), the project authority must consider whether another form of assessment of the effects of the project on the environment would be appropriate.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

105AB.Publication of screening decisions: projects not to be subject to an environmental impact assessmentE+W

(1)The project authority must publish a notice of—

(a)any determination that the exemption in section 105AA(6) applies to a project;

(b)any determination that a relevant project [F14of a type specified in] Annex II should not be made subject to an environmental impact assessment.

(2)A notice under subsection (1)(a) must—

(a)state the reasons for the determination, and

(b)state whether another form of assessment of the effects of the project on the environment is considered appropriate.

(3)A notice under subsection (1)(b) must—

(a)state the reasons for the determination with reference to the relevant selection criteria [F15set out] in Annex III, and

(b)include a description of any features of the project, or other measures, which are proposed by the authority to avoid or prevent significant adverse effects on the environment.

(4)If the project authority publishes a notice under subsection (1)(a), the project authority must publish the results of any other assessment considered appropriate for the purposes of section 105AA(7).]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

[F16 105B Publication of screening decision and environmental statement for projects subject to an environmental impact assessmentE+W

(1)This section applies of a project authority considers that a project—

(a)[F17is of a type specified in] Annex I, or

(b)is a relevant project [F18of a type specified in] Annex II which should be made subject to an environmental impact assessment.

(2)The project authority must, not later than the date when details of the project itself are published—

(a)ensure that an environmental statement is prepared for the project, and

(b)publish a notice of the environmental statement so as to ensure that members of the public who are likely to be concerned are given a reasonable opportunity to express their opinion before a decision is made as to whether to proceed with the construction or improvement to which the statement relates.

(3)The environmental statement for the project—

(a)must be prepared by competent experts,

(b)must include the information which, taking into account current knowledge and methods of assessment, is reasonably required by the project authority to reach a reasoned conclusion about the significant effects of the project on the environment (as required by section 105CA) and in particular the information specified in subsection (4) of this section, and

(c)with a view to avoiding duplication of assessments, must take into account the results of any relevant environmental assessment which are reasonably available to the project authority.

(4)The specified information is—

(a)a description the site, design, size and any other relevant features of the project,

(b)a description of the likely significant effects of the project on the environment,

(c)a description of the features of the project or measures envisaged to avoid, prevent or reduce and, if possible, offset any likely significant effects of the project on the environment,

(d)a description of the reasonable alternatives studied by the project authority which are relevant to the project and its specific characteristics, and an indication of the main reasons for the option chosen, taking into account the effects of the project on the environment,

(e)a non-technical summary of the information mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (d), and

(f)any additional information [F19of a type] specified in Annex IV that is relevant to the specific characteristics of the project, or type of project, and to the environmental features likely to be affected.

(5)The environmental statement must be accompanied by a statement from the project authority setting out the relevant expertise or qualifications of the experts who prepared the environmental statement.

(6)The notice published under subsection (2)(b) must state—

(a)that the project authority, as the relevant highway authority, is considering implementing the project;

(b)the proposed location and nature of the project;

(c)that the project is subject to an environmental impact assessment and, where relevant, that section 105C applies;

(d)if the project is a relevant project [F20of a type specified in] Annex II, the reasons for the determination that the project should be made subject to an environmental impact assessment with reference to the selection criteria [F21set out] in Annex III;

(e)that a copy of the environmental statement may be inspected at an address in the area in which the project is proposed to be situated during the period specified under paragraph (j);

(f)the times at which the copy of the environmental statement may be so inspected;

(g)an address from which copies of the environmental statement may be obtained and from which further information about the project may be requested during the period specified under paragraph (j);

(h)if a charge is to be made for a copy of the environmental statement, the amount of the charge;

(i)that a copy of the environmental statement may be inspected on the official website;

(j)that any person wishing to make representations about the project and the environmental statement may do so in writing to the project authority at a specified address for a specified period, being not less than 6 weeks from the date of publication of the notice, and

(k)that the project authority will take into consideration any representations so made before deciding whether or not to proceed with the project with or without modifications.

(7)The project authority must ensure that during the period specified under subsection (6)(j)—

(a)copies of the environmental statement are available for inspection by any person free of charge at all reasonable hours at the address specified under subsection (6)(e),

(b)copies of the environmental statement are available to be obtained by any person from the address specified under subsection (6)(g), and

(c)that a copy of the environmental statement is available for inspection by any person on the official website.

(8)A reasonable charge reflecting the costs of printing, copying and distribution may be made by the project authority for the supply of a copy of the environmental statement—

(a)to a person other than a consultation body, or

(b)to a consultation body to which one copy has already been supplied free of charge.

(9)The project authority must ensure that the consultation bodies are given an opportunity to express an opinion on the project and the environmental statement before the authority carries out the consideration required by section 105CA(1).

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

105BA.Co-ordinationE+W

(1)Where in order to proceed with the construction or improvement in relation to which an environmental statement has been made it is necessary for the project authority to make—

(a)an order or scheme to which Schedule 1 to this Act applies, or

(b)a compulsory purchase order in the exercise of highway land acquisition powers,

the project authority must, so far as is practicable to do so, take the steps required of it by this Part of this Act concurrently with the corresponding steps required of it by Schedule 1 to this Act or the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 (as the case may be) in connection with the making of the related instruments.

(2)Where, in respect of a project, there is a requirement to carry out—

(a)an environmental impact assessment, and

(b)an assessment under regulation 61 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010,

the project authority must, so far as is practicable to do so, ensure that the assessments are co-ordinated.]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

105C F22... [F23EEA] States.E+W

(1)This section applies if–

(a) it appears to the [F24project authority] that a project to which section [F25105B] applies is likely to have a significant effect on the environment in [F26an EEA state] ; or

(b)[F27 an EEA State ] the environment of which is likely to be significantly affected by such a project asks the [F28project authority] for information about it.

(2) The [F29project authority] must give the [F30EEA State ] –

(a) a description of the project, together with any information available to [F31the authority] which suggests that it may have a significant effect on the environment in the [F30EEA State ] ;

(b)any information which [F32the authority] has on the nature of the decision which may be taken on the project;

[F33(c)such information about the procedure required by this Part of this Act as [F34the authority] considers appropriate; and]

(d)a reasonable period within which to indicate whether it wishes to participate in that procedure.

(3)Subsection (2)(a) and (b) must be complied with no later than the date of publication of [F35the notice under section 105B(2)(b)] .

(4) If the [F30EEA State ] indicates that it wishes to participate [F36 in the procedure required by this Part of this Act ] , the [F37project authority] must give it–

(a) a copy of the environmental statement for the project (if [F38the authority] has not already done so); F39 . . .

[F40(b)the information required by [F41subsection (6)] of section 105B to be included in the notice under [F42subsection (2)(b)] of that section; and

(c) any information about the procedure required by this Part of this Act which [F43the authority] considers it appropriate to give and which has not already been given to the EEA State. ]

(5)[F44The project authority must also] –

(a) arrange for the information which [F45the authority] has given to the [F30EEA State ] to be made available, within a reasonable time, to–

[F46(i)the consultation bodies, and]

(ii) members of the public in the [F30EEA State ] who are likely to be concerned; and

(b)ensure that those authorities and the public concerned are given a reasonable opportunity to give [F47the project authority] their views before [F48the project authority] decides whether to proceed with the project to which the environmental impact assessment relates.

(6)The Secretary of State[F49or the strategic highways company] must F50...–

(a) enter into consultations with the [F30EEA State ] concerned regarding, among other matters, the potential significant effects of the project on the environment of that [F30EEA State ] and the measures envisaged to reduce or eliminate those effects; and

(b) agree with that [F30EEA State ] a reasonable period for those consultations.

[F51(6A)The consultations required under subsection (6)(a) may be carried out through an appropriate joint body [F52set up for that purpose].]

F53(7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8)F54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F40S. 105C(4)(b)(c) substituted (26.4.2007) for s. 105(4)(b) by The Highways (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/1062), reg. 4(4)(c) (with reg. 7)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

[F55105CA.Conclusion about environmental impact of a project for constructing or improving a highwayE+W

(1)Before deciding whether or not to proceed with a project for which notice of an environmental statement is published in accordance with section 105B, the project authority—

(a)must consider the matters specified in subsection (2), and

(b)following that consideration, must reach a reasoned conclusion about the significant effects of the proposed construction or improvement on the environment.

(2)The specified matters are—

(a)the environmental statement,

(b)any relevant opinion received by the project authority on the project or the statement,

(c)where an EEA State indicates under section 105C that it wishes to participate in the procedure required by this Part of this Act, any relevant EEA opinion received by the project authority on the project or the statement,

(d)any features of the project, or measures, envisaged to avoid, prevent or reduce, and if possible, offset any likely significant adverse effects of the project on the environment, and

(e)any other information of a description specified in Annex IV which is directly relevant to the conclusion to be reached on the environmental impact of the project.

(3)For the purposes of subsection (2)(b), an opinion on a project or an environmental statement is a relevant opinion if—

(a)it is expressed in writing by a consultation body or any other person, and

(b)it is received by the project authority within the period specified for the purpose by the authority.

(4)For the purposes of subsection (2)(c), an opinion on a project or an environmental statement is a relevant EEA opinion if—

(a)it is expressed in writing by—

(i)the EEA State,

(ii)a member of the public in the EEA State, or

(iii)an authority having environmental responsibilities designated by the EEA State to be consulted about the project under Article 6(1) of the Directive, and

(b)it is received by the project authority within the period specified for the purpose by the project authority.

(5)The period specified for the purposes of subsection (3)(b) or subsection (4)(b) must not be less than 42 days beginning with the day on which the notice of the environmental statement is published in accordance with section 105B(2)(b).

(6)The project authority must obtain such expert advice as appears to the authority to be necessary for the purposes of considering the environmental statement.

Textual Amendments

105CB.Decision about whether or not to proceed with a project subject to an environmental impact assessmentE+W

(1)When deciding whether or not to proceed with a project for which notice of an environmental statement is published in accordance with section 105B, the project authority—

(a)must take into account its reasoned conclusion under section 105CA(1)(b), and

(b)must consider whether to make provision for monitoring significant adverse effects of the construction or the improvement on the environment.

(2)The project authority may decide to proceed with the project only if satisfied that the reasoned conclusion is up to date.

(3)The project authority may make provision for monitoring significant adverse effects on the environment only if satisfied that the type of parameters which will be required to be monitored and the duration of such monitoring are proportionate having regard to—

(a)the nature, location and size of the project, and

(b)the significance of the effects of the project on the environment.

(4)If the project authority decides to proceed with the project, it must implement any relevant feature or other measure envisaged to avoid, prevent or reduce, and if possible, offset any significant adverse effects of the project on the environment.

(5)For the purposes of subsection (4) a feature of a project or other measure is relevant if it was taken into account by the project authority in reaching the reasoned conclusion required under section 105CA(1)(b).

Textual Amendments

105CC.Timing of conclusion and decisionE+W

The project authority must—

(a)reach the reasoned conclusion required by section 105CA(1)(b), and

(b)decide whether or not to proceed with the relevant construction or improvement,

within a reasonable period of time (having regard to the nature and complexity of the project) beginning on the day on which the authority begins the consideration required by section 105CA(1)(a).

Textual Amendments

105CD.Publication of conclusion and decisionE+W

(1)When the project authority has decided whether or not to proceed with the construction or improvement subject to an environmental impact assessment, it must—

(a)publish its reasoned conclusion under section 105CA(1)(b),

(b)publish its decision and a decision statement, and

(c)if an EEA State has been consulted in accordance with section 105C(4), inform the EEA State of the decision and give the EEA State a copy of the decision statement.

(2)A decision statement must—

(a)confirm that the project authority has complied with the requirements of this Part of this Act,

(b)include a summary of the reasoned conclusion under section 105CA(1)(b),

(c)include a summary of the decision and any conditions attached to the decision,

(d)state the main reasons and considerations on which the decision is based, and

(e)include a summary of the consultations carried out under this Part of this Act, the results of those consultations and how those consultations have been taken into account in the conclusion and decision,

(f)where the authority’s decision is to proceed with the project, describe the right under section 105D(1) to challenge the validity of the decision.]

Textual Amendments

[F56105DValidity of decisionsE+W

(1)If a person aggrieved by a decision of the [F57project authority] to proceed with the construction or improvement for which an environmental statement has been made desires to question the validity of the decision on the ground that—

(a)it is not within the powers of this Act; or

(b)any requirement of this Part of this Act has not been complied with in relation to the decision;

he may, within 6 weeks from the date on which the decision is first published under section 105B (6), make an application for the purpose to the High Court.

(2)On any such application, the Court—

(a)may by interim order suspend the operation of the decision, or any aspect of it, either generally or in so far as it affects any property of the applicant, until the final determination of the proceedings; and

(b)if satisfied that the decision is not within the powers of this Act, or that the interests of the applicant have been substantially prejudiced by a failure to comply with any requirement of this Part of this Act, may quash the decision or any aspect of it, either generally or in so far as it affects any property of the applicant.

(3)Subject to subsection (2), a decision to which subsection (1) applies shall not be questioned in any legal proceedings whatever.]]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)