17.—(1) An EIA application must be accompanied by an environmental statement for the purposes of these Regulations but this is subject to paragraph (2).
(2) Where regulation 9(1) and (2) apply, paragraph (1) does not apply.
(3) An environmental statement is a statement which includes at least—
(a)a description of the proposed development comprising information on the site, design, size and other relevant features of the development;
(b)a description of the likely significant effects of the proposed development on the environment;
(c)a description of any features of the proposed development, or measures envisaged in order to avoid, prevent or reduce and, if possible, offset likely significant adverse effects on the environment;
(d)a description of the reasonable alternatives studied by the applicant or appellant, which are relevant to the proposed development and its specific characteristics, and an indication of the main reasons for the option chosen, taking into account the significant effects of the development on the environment;
(e)a non-technical summary of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (a) to (d); and
(f)any additional information specified in Schedule 4 relevant to the specific characteristics of the particular development or type of development and to the environmental features likely to be significantly affected.
(4) An environmental statement must—
(a)be prepared by persons who in the opinion of the relevant planning authority or the Welsh Ministers, as appropriate, have sufficient expertise to ensure the completeness and quality of the statement;
(b)contain a statement by or on behalf of the applicant or appellant describing the expertise of the person who prepared the environmental statement;
(c)where a scoping opinion or direction has been issued in accordance with regulation 14 or 15, be based on the most recent scoping opinion or direction issued (so far as the proposed development remains materially the same as the proposed development which was the subject of that opinion or direction);
(d)include the information reasonably required for reaching a reasoned conclusion on the significant effects of the development on the environment, taking into account current knowledge and methods of assessment; and
(e)take into account other relevant environmental assessments required under Union legislation or any other provision of domestic legislation, with a view to avoiding duplication of assessment.