Warning over environment permit fee increases
Farmers setting up an intensive livestock enterprise are being advised that increases in charges for environmental permits are in the pipeline. In some instances, the fees may increase by thousands of pounds.
Vicky Price, a chartered surveyor at the Hereford office of Berrys, said the Environment Agency is currently reviewing its charges for Environmental Permits, with any fee increases to take effect from April 2018.
She said: “Currently the Environment Agency charges £3,750 for new permit applications in relation to intensive farming, such as those wanting to start rearing poultry with 40,000 or more places or the keeping of 2,000 or more production pigs (over 30kg). This application fee is proposed to be increased to £8,069 in the future.”
In addition, the Environment Agency proposes that permit variation fees increase from £380 per application to between approximately £2,400 and £7,260, depending upon the degree of variation. These fee charges will lead to a substantial increase to what is currently being paid.
“Therefore any business thinking of diversifying into an intensive pig or poultry enterprise should strongly consider whether a permit application should be made now, before any potential fee increases come into effect,” Vicky advised.
“Likewise, for those operators who may need to vary their permit, then they should consider submitting a variation application now. Variations include increasing livestock numbers within existing buildings and any proposed expansion to the unit through additional buildings.”
A public consultation on the proposed charges is open until January 26. Full details on the new charges are at: https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/engagement/environmentagency-charging-proposals-fromapril2018/
For more information on permits and site specific requirements contact Vicky Price at Berrys on 01544 598084 or email Vicky.price@berrys.uk.com
