Environmental permits
Some commercial and industrial activities could harm the environment or human health unless they are controlled. The environmental permitting regime requires operators of certain facilities to:
- get an environmental permit
- register an exemption for certain waste facilities
The regulator is either the local authority or the Environment Agency depending on the nature or size of the operation.
The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010
These regulations require an environmental permit to be held to operate a regulated facility. They have been substantially amended by Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 to apply the Industrial Emissions Directive 2010/75/EU.
Environmental permit
Operators of prescribed activities must apply to the regulator authority for a permit to operate the activities. It is an offence to operate without a permit.
An environmental permit will contain conditions that aim to minimise pollution from these activities, which may include
- Specifying what activity can take place, and capacities of plant or equipment
- Monitoring of emissions
- Use of abatement techniques and plant
- Maintenance of equipment
- Staff training and qualifications
- Record keeping and reporting
Read the general guidance manual and specific process guidance notes on the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) website.
Permitted installations are inspected regularly, based on a risk assessment system and enforcement action may be taken if there are breaches in conditions. The annual subsistence fees for operating an environment permit are set and reviewed by DEFRA.
Apply for an environment permit or exemption
If you would like to apply for a permit please contact us by emailing envhealth@cheltenham.gov.uk with details of the proposed activity and location. We will give you an application form and details of the application fee.
View public register of permits
We need to maintain a public register of permits that we regulate. You can view our interactive map of permitted premises within the Cheltenham area or download the register.
Alternatively, details held on the public register files can be viewed by appointment at the Municipal Offices, Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 9SA.
Control of industrial emissions
We are responsible for allowing certain smaller industrial processes (Part A2 and Part B processes) and conditions are applied to control air pollution (also land and water pollution in the case of Part A2 processes).
The Environment Agency is responsible for larger industrial process and conditions apply to control air, land and water pollution for these installations.