Delays in A2 applications
September 28, 2004
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Welsh Assembly Government have published an additional guidance note on determination times for A2 applications under the integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC) regime.
The note explains that a recent report found that the time taken by local authorities to determine applications for A2 permits was, in many instances, significantly in excess of the period specified in the legislation, ie four months after a duly made application is received.
It notes that several causes for delays in determining the permits were given and often the causes were outside the control of the local authority, eg lack of information in the application, changes to the installation or delays caused by consultees.
However the guidance also stresses there may be some measures that local authorities can put in place to mitigate the delays to some extent.
The guidance offers advice to local authorities as to how to manage delays and reminds councils of sources of support that are available if delays are occurring because officers are unsure on how to proceed.
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