Farmers and other land managers wanting to bring uncultivated land or semi-natural areas into intensive agricultural use are being reminded they need to seek consent from Defra before doing so.
The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations relating to uncultivated land require any project to agriculturally intensify uncultivated or semi-natural land to be first assessed for significant environmental effects. Consent may be withheld if the project would have unacceptable environmental effects.
The EIA procedures were introduced by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in February 2002 and are designed to reduce the risk of destruction of valuable environmental habitats and irreversible environmental damage to the UK countryside.
Under the Environmental Impact Assessment (Uncultivated Land and Semi-natural Areas) (England) Regulations 2001, Defra as the competent authority, has 35 days in which to assess the likelihood of significant environmental effects of any application. It is possible that an extension to this time limit may be required at peak times, leading to delay in the landowner being allowed to start work.
A review of the way in which the Regulations have been implemented will begin shortly. Anyone wishing to be involved in the consultation process should email Defra at eiaconsult@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
Further information is available from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on freephone 0800 028 2140, or at www.defra.gov.uk/environ/eia/default.htm.