Law and policy
Environmental permitting is a devolved matter and the current regime is based largely on retained EU law. The permitting system for England and Wales is set out in the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016; the Pollution Prevention and Control (Industrial Emissions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013/160 for Northern Ireland; and the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulation 2018 for Scotland.
England
The Environment Agency has primary responsibility for the environmental permitting regime in England. Local authorities also have some responsibilities in regard to smaller installations. Information on rules for different activities can be found here.
Northern Ireland
The Department for Agriculture, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has responsibility for environmental permitting. Further information can be found here.
Scotland
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency is the responsible body for environmental permitting in Scotland. Further information on authorisations and permits can be found here.
Wales
Natural Resources Wales regulates environmental permitting in Wales. Further information can be found here.