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<p>Environmental permitting regulations specify statutory timescales for the Environment
Agency (EA) to consider permit applications and the EA also has its own performance
measures and is subject to corporate reporting.</p><p> </p><p>The EA communicates
with operators through sector bodies and on individual applications about its timescales
to enable them to make their applications in time for projects to proceed. The EA
also provides an enhanced pre-application service to applicants which helps improve
application quality and applicants’ understanding about the time it will take to obtain
a decision. The EA also works with applicants to consider prioritising applications
that are time-sensitive or critical. Environmental permits are often one of a number
of permissions and measures that an operator will need in place prior to commencing
a project.</p><p> </p><p>To fulfil the EA’s statutory duties, it must be satisfied
that the risk to the environment and communities from proposed activities is minimised
and managed. Activities that are higher in risk, complex, or novel take longer to
determine.</p><p> </p>
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