Some business activities can harm the environment by releasing emissions into the air, land or water, or by creating a lot of noise. A number of these activities require a permit. Large enterprises, such as power stations or animal feed mills, are normally regulated by the Environment Agency. Smaller industrial uses are normally regulated by us.

Types of businesses needing a permit from us may include:

• cement batching plants
• petrol stations
• users of large quantities of solvents
• mobile crushers

Permits in Broadland and South Norfolk

We hold information regarding permitted sites that operate within Broadland and South Norfolk is held in a public register.

Operating under an environmental permit

Once a permit has been granted, it will contain conditions which relate to the management of the site, emission limits and any other process controls which the operator must comply with. The operator is required to pay an application fee and an annual subsistence fee to the regulator for their permit.

Conditions within the permit are based on information provided in the guidance notes for the business or industry concerned. Failure to comply with permit conditions, or operating a process without the relevant permit, is an offence and may result in heavy fines or a prison sentence. We regularly inspect sites to ensure they are complying with the conditions of the permit.

Additional information about environmental permits can be found on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) website.

Your trade association may provide further support and information.