The NFU is pleased to see that after conversations with the Environment Agency a number of smaller-scale activities are now being charged at a lower price. Due to NFU lobbying, activities such as backwater creation, restoration of culverted watercourses and bankside refuge creation will cost £170 instead of up to £1440, subject to complying with certain conditions.
The guidance also provides an overview on the new costs of the permits and how to contact the Environment Agency if you are considering undertaking any works near rivers.
This guidance comes in response to decisions by the Environment Agency to hugely increase the costs of permits for a range of activities, including flood risk management, waste, pig and poultry units and sheep dip. The NFU actively strongly lobbied against the proposed changes and will continue to fight for more proportionate charges to be introduced.
Next steps:
There will be a consultation later this year focussing around the current scope and conditions of standard rules permits which are cheaper and easier to apply for than bespoke permits. The NFU will be asking members for input into what changes they would like to see to increase the number of activities covered by a standard rules permit.
If you have any further comments speak to Martin Rogers: bWFydGluLnJvZ2Vyc0BuZnUub3JnLnVr or CallFirst: 0370 845 8458.