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. Some processes have less potential 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 responsible for authorising and inspecting all Part B processes in Hackney, there are no Part A2 processesn in Hackney. Part B processes include activities such as vehicle re-spraying, furniture manufacture and unloading of petrol at petrol stations, 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 this is the case.
A public register of applications, permits and notices is available for inspection.
If you would like more information on authorisation of prescribed processes contact us using the details on the right.
Guidance is available from:
Defra, UK - Pollution Prevention and Control
Processes permitted by the Environment Agency:
Page updated: 28 Jan 2008