04/00 - Hazardous Substances

This circular gives guidance on how the consent procedure for hazardous substances operates following changes introduced to implement the land-use planning requirements of the Seveso II Directive (Directive 96/82/EC on the control of major accident hazards).

The provisions of the directive are outlined and its land-use planning requirements are summarised and are implemented by amendments to the Planning Hazardous Substances Act 1990.

There is a guide to procedures regarding planning permissions and to the definition of hazardous substances authorities.

The relationship of controlled quantities to the need for hazardous substances consent is considered and the aggregation of small amounts is summarised. The significance for development control and for development plans is discussed. The deemed consent provisions applying to consent granted by virtue of authorisation by a government department and variation and revocation of consents are covered.

The circular also records application fees payable, health and safety requirements and exemptions from the need for consent, including that enjoyed by the Crown. Alternative methods of enforcement are set out.

An annex considers the inter-relationship of hazardous substances consent with planning permission and other controls, highlighting the Health and Safety Executive's advisory role.

View the document here.