Application of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations to the Review of Mineral Permissions: Consultation
11th April 2008

Since the first EIA Regulations in 1989 there has been stringent consideration of the environmental effects of quarry development when granting planning permission. While planning permissions granted since 1990 have effective environmental conditions attached, there are a number of permissions dating from the 1970s and 1980s that do not. A number of dormant quarries have been able to return to active status, by virtue of their old permissions, without any review of their operating conditions.

The Planning Reform (NI) Order 2006 inserted provisions into the Planning (NI) Order 1991 which, when commenced, will require a review of old mineral planning permissions to ensure that they comply with modern environmental standards. The provisions will also prevent dormant quarries returning to active status, by virtue of their old permissions, without any review of their operating conditions. These provisions will be commenced at the same time as the proposed amendments to the 1999 EIA regulations are brought into operation.

The purpose of the consultation is to obtain views on the application of the 1999 EIA Regulations with modifications to the review of old mineral planning permissions.

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