Introduction

Air pollution emissions from industrial processes can have an impact on local air quality. Westminster regulates small industrial processes for air pollution control under the Local Air Pollution Prevention and Control regime (LAPPC); the industries are classified as Part B and A(2) installations.

The table shows industrial activities in Westminster and associated emissions to air:

The only major process is concrete batching at a site near Paddington Station. The remaining permits are for petrol stations and dry cleaners. See below for a link to a list of permitted part B processes in Westminster.

LAPPC - regulations and guidance

Part B industrial activities in Westminster are regulated under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 and the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2007. Dry cleaning processes are also regulated under the Solvent Emissions Directive 2004.

The operator of a Part B installation must apply to us for an Environmental Permit before operating an industrial activity. It is illegal for a person or company to operate a Part B installation without an Environmental Permit. The Environmental Permit specifies conditions describing the Best Available Techniques (BAT) for minimising and controlling emissions to air. The operator has a legal duty to abide by these conditions, failure to comply with the conditions can lead to us taking enforcement action.

We undertake compliance inspections on a risk assessed basis to ensure that the operator is managing the Part B installation in accordance with the conditions set in the Environmental Permit.

Process and procedures guidance notes

The Best Available Techniques for minimising and controlling emissions to air are outlined in the Secretary of States’ Process Guidance Note for each type of Part B activity. The guidance notes applicable to the industries in Westminster are provided below:

PG 3/1 (4) - Guidance for Blending, Packing, Loading, Unloading and Use of Bulk Cement

PG 1/14 (06) - Guidance for Unloading of Petrol into Storage at Petrol Stations

PG 6/46 (04) - Guidance for Dry Cleaning

The General Guidance Manual (GGM) comprises guidance on the policy and permitting procedures for activities subject to LA-IPPC and LAPPC under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2007 from 6 April 2008 onwards.

It is statutory guidance and aims to guide firms undertaking or planning to undertake relevant activities on their legal obligations. It is designed to be useful to members of the public interested in industrial pollution control. Defra have a summary available and further information.

Eligibility criteria

Applications must be made on the form provided by the regulator, or online and must include specified information which will vary depending on the operation.

The LAPPC regime is associated with various fees and charges including an Environmental Permit application fee and an annual subsistence fee - see the most up to date fees and charges list.

If further information is required the applicant will be notified by  Westminster and they must provide this information or the application will be deemed to be withdrawn.

The application must be from the operator of the regulated facility.

You find a summary of the regulations relating to the licence here.

Application evaluation process

Westminster will pay regard to the protection of the environment taken as a whole by preventing or, where that is not practicable, reducing emissions into the air, water and land.  Westminster may inform the public of the application and must consider any representations. The application must be from the operator of the regulated facility and Westminster must be satisfied that they must operate the facility in accordance with the environmental permit.

Will tacit consent apply?

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.

Apply online

Apply for a part B Environmental Permit

Apply for a part A(2) Environmental Permit

Tell us about a change to your existing circumstances

Failed application redress

Please contact Westminster in the first instance.

An applicant who is refused an environmental permit may appeal to the appropriate authority. In England the appropriate authority is the Secretary of State and in Wales are the Welsh Ministers. Appeals must be lodged no later than six months from the date of the decision.

Licence holder redress

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.

If an application to vary, transfer or surrender an environmental permit has been refused or if the applicant objects to conditions imposed on the environmental permit they may appeal to the appropriate authority.

Appeals must be lodged in relation to a regulator initiated variation, a suspension notice or an enforcement notice, not later than two months from the date of the variation or notice and in any other case not later than six months from the date of the decision.

Consumer complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other redress

Compensation maybe payable in relation to conditions affecting certain interests in land.

Trade associations

Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA)

Environmental Industries Commissions (EIC)

Environmental Services Associations (ESA)

If you have any questions please contact the Crossrail & Environmental Sciences Team on 020 7641 3161