Part B Authorisation
Some industrial processes have potential to cause pollution. Since 1990 many of these processes have required an 'authorisation' from the Environment Agency to operate and they are also inspected annually. Other processes are less likely to cause pollution, and for these operations the local authority is responsible for their inspection and regulation.
Authorised or 'prescribed' processes are those industrial technologies that have a potential to cause pollution. The Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 replaces Part 1 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and requires that processes identified in the act, or by regulations made under the act, must have a permit to operate.
There are currently 3 types of process classification:
- Part A processes are regulated by the Environment Agency.
- A2 proceses and Part B processes are controlled by local authorities.
- Part B processes are regulated only for emissions to air.
The council is responsible for authorising and inspecting all Part B processes in Hackney. There are no Part A2 processes in Hackney.
Part B processes include activities such as vehicle re-spraying, furniture manufacture, unloading of petrol at petrol stations, and dry cleaning
Any person operating a process that requires an authorisation must submit an application, with a fee, to the local authority. The authority must then issue an authorisation in accordance with government guidance. The operator of the prescribed process must comply with the conditions of the authorisation and they will be subject to inspection to ensure that they have done so.
A public register of applications, permits and notices is available for inspection.
Activities requiring a permit
Activities requiring a permit are set out in part 2 of schedule 1 the Environmental Permitting Regulations. Those activities listed under Part A1 require a permit from the Environment Agency, and those listed under Part A2 and Part B require a permit from the council.
How to apply
The Part A2 application form, the Part B application form, and simplified Part B applications (for small waste oil burners, dry cleaning, unloading petrol at a service station, and small vehicle re-sprayers) are available to download and complete - see links on the right hand side of this page. Please read the instructions on the front of the form carefully before you complete it.
Fees
The fee for applications may vary depending on the number and type of authorisations applied for. You can view details of the fees and charges on the DEFRA website.
Transferring a permit
Processes may change hands through normal business transactions. The Environmental Permitting Regulations therefore allows for permit transfers either for the whole installation, or for one or more parts of it through partial transfer arrangements.
When an operator wants to transfer all or part of a permit to someone else,
- the operator and the proposed transferee must make a joint application and also pay a fee (see fees and charges on the DEFRA website)
- both parties must sign the application form.
- the joint application should contain both parties' telephone numbers and addresses (if different) plus any additional correspondence address (if different).
In the case of partial transfer, where the original operator retains part of the permit, the application must make clear who will have control over the various parts of the installation. The application must include a plan identifying which parts of the site and which activities the operator proposes transferring, outlining the responsibilities for the delineated site.
See the links to the right for transfer application forms.
Failure to apply for a transfer can result in enforcement action being taken.
Timescale for a decision
Applications for permits, variations and transfers will be determined in accordance with the timescales below:
| Application type | Timescale for a decision | Exceptions |
| Part A2 application for a permit | Generally 4 months but up to 5 months 3 weeks | Additional time may be required where further information is being sought to determine the application, or where there are issues of conmmercial confidentiality, national security or where additional consultation on off site conditions is required. |
| Substantial variation | 4 months | A longer period may be agreed between the applicant and the council. |
| Non substatntial variations | 3 months | A longer period may be agreed between the applicant and the council. |
| Application to transfer the permit | 2 months | A longer period may be agreed between the applicant and the council. |
| Part B application for a permit | Generally 4 months | Additional time may be required where further information is being sought to determine the application, or where there are issues of conmmercial confidentiality, national security or where additional consultation on off site conditions is required. |
| Part B waste oil burners/dry cleaning | 3 months |
Guidance notes
Full guidance is available on the website of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The following links will take you to the appropriate page of the DEFRA website:
Registers
A record is kept of all Part B Authorisations issued within Hackney. The information is public and anyone can view the public registers by appointment. Please contact us using the details at the top-right hand corner of this page for more information.
- You can view a list of the Part B permits here.
- For A1 Processes permitted by the Environment Agency, please visit the Environment Agency website.
Page updated: 7 Jan 2010