Defra Consults On A Package Of Proposals To Streamline Environmental Permitting

Last year, Defra announced that of its 255 environmental regulations, 132 will be improved, mainly through simplification or consolidation; 70 will be kept as they are, to uphold important environmental protections; and 53 obsolete regulations will be removed.

As part of this "Better Regulation" initiative, Defra is now consulting on proposed amendments to the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010 ("the 2010 Regulations"). It is hoped this consultation will improve the environmental permitting process and regulatory activities, cut administrative burdens and focus on the delivery of a better service to customers.

Ministers say the cutting of red tape will save businesses £1bn, but the move has shocked campaigners, who argue that the Government's search for economic growth is mistakenly targeting the environment. With the consultation ending on 4 April 2013, this article looks at the main proposed amendments.