Pollution Control - Part B AuthorisationSome industrial techniques have potential to cause pollution. Since 1990 many of these processes have required an authorisation from the Environment Agency to operate and they are also inspected annually. Some processes have the potential to cause only air pollution and for these operations the local authority is responsible for their inspection and regulation.
Authorised or 'Prescribed' processes are those industrial technologies that have a potential to cause pollution. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 requires that processes identified in the act, or by regulations made under the act, must have an Authorisation to operate.
There are currently two types of process classification. Part A processes are regulated by the Environment Agency while Part B processes are controlled by local authorities.
Southwark Council is responsible for authorising and inspecting all Part B processes within the district. Part B processes are those that have the potential to cause air pollution and include activities such as vehicle re-spraying, furniture manufacture and unloading of petrol.
Any person operating a process that requires an authorisation must submit an application, with a fee, to the local authority. The authority must then issue an authorisation in accordance with government guidance. The operator of the prescribed process must comply with the conditions of the authorisation and they will be subject to inspection to ensure this is the case.
Following the introduction of the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 the system of authorisation is changing to meet the requirements of the European Directive on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control. The new Act covers a wider range of industrial processes using A1 and A2 classifications. Local authorities will control A2 processes. Those processes not covered by the European Directive but regulated as 'part B' processes will continue to be controlled under Local Air Pollution Prevention Control by local authorities.
Guidance is currently being issued by the government to help both local authorities and industry move to the new system.
Guidance notes
Full guidance is available on the website of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The following links will take you to the appropriate page of the DEFRA website:
Click here for  advice on different types of processes.
Click here for advisory notes.
Click here to view the instruction manual.
How to apply
Click here to download the Part B Authorisation application form. Please read the instructions on the front of the form carefully before you complete it.
Fees
The fee for applications may vary depending on the number and type of authorisations applied for. Click here to view details of the fees and charges on the DEFRA website.
Cheques should be made payable to the London Borough of Southwark and enclosed with your completed application form.
Registers
A record is kept of all Part B Authorisations issued within Southwark. The information is public and anyone can view the public registers by appointment. Please contact us using the details below to arrange this.
Contact us
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information:
Pollution Control
Tel: 020 7525 2000
environment@southwark.gov.uk
Environment and Leisure
Chaplin Centre
Thurlow Street
London SE17 2DG |