Environment Legislation

Regulations protecting natural resources, addressing climate change, pollution control, and environmental conservation measures.

The Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Farm (Amendment) Order 2025

Published: Tue 15th Apr 25

The Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Farm (Amendment) Order 2025 amends the 2023 Order to make non-material changes to bycatch reduction measures.

Specifically, it revises the definition of "the offshore compensation measures" and modifies paragraphs 10-12 of Part 3 of Schedule 16, related to guillemot compensation, by updating consultation processes, predator eradication methods, and notification requirements.

The changes were made following an application under the Infrastructure Planning (Changes to, and Revocation of, Development Consent Orders) Regulations 2011 and are effective from April 14, 2025.

The Heckington Fen Solar Park (Correction) Order 2025

Published: Tue 15th Apr 25

This order corrects errors in the Heckington Fen Solar Park Order 2025, a development consent order under the Planning Act 2008.

The Secretary of State approved corrections based on a written request from the applicant, which were then notified to the relevant local planning authorities.

The corrections amend several sections of the original order, updating references and coordinates, particularly in Schedules 1 and 13.

The effective date is April 14, 2025.

The Environment Act 2021 (Commencement No. 10) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 8th Apr 25

The Environment Act 2021 (Commencement No. 10) Regulations 2025, effective May 1, 2025, implement several sections of the Environment Act 2021 concerning biodiversity net gain.

These sections, primarily impacting planning permissions in England, introduce a condition within the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to ensure that all new developments contribute towards increasing biodiversity.

The regulations clarify specific parts of the relevant legislation that come into effect and explain the integration of these additions into existing planning processes.

While no independent cost impact assessment was deemed necessary for these regulations, reference is made to a broader impact assessment on the Environment Act 2021.

The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Mon 7th Apr 25

The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 1986 Regulations to permit road use of hydrogen-fuelled agricultural vehicles, engineering plant, works trucks, and category T tractors.

The amendments introduce new safety requirements for hydrogen fuel systems, including stipulations for fuelling receptacles, pressure relief devices, leak prevention, and driver warnings.

These requirements align with UNECE regulations and aim to balance enabling the use of hydrogen technology with ensuring public and environmental safety.

The Town and Country Planning (Fees and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2025

Published: Thu 3rd Apr 25

The Town and Country Planning (Fees and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2025 amend existing legislation to reflect changes introduced by the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023.

The regulations update fees for certain planning applications and adjust several Acts to incorporate new provisions for planning permission on Crown land in England.

These new provisions establish two application routes: one for urgent, nationally important developments and another for nationally important developments without urgency.

The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2025

Published: Mon 31st Mar 25

The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2025, effective September 30, 2025, amend Annex 3 of (EC) No 1223/2009 to restrict methyl salicylate in cosmetics.

The regulation sets varying maximum concentrations based on product type, ensuring safe levels according to Scientific Advisory Group advice. A transitional period until March 31, 2026, allows existing stock to be sold.

The Electricity (Individual Exemption from the Requirement for a Transmission Licence) (Spiorad na Mara) (Scotland) Order 2025

Published: Wed 26th Mar 25

The Electricity (Individual Exemption from the Requirement for a Transmission Licence) (Spiorad na Mara) (Scotland) Order 2025 grants an indefinite exemption from the requirement for Spiorad na Mara Limited to hold an electricity transmission licence for the transmission of electricity from its offshore generating station in the Isle of Lewis to an onshore substation.

The Secretary of State made the order under powers granted by the Electricity Act 1989, after consultation with Scottish Ministers, based on the unique circumstances of the offshore project.

The exemption applies to Scotland only, takes effect on May 7, 2025 and does not require a full impact assessment due to the anticipated lack of significant impact on the public or private sectors.

The Flood Reinsurance (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Mon 24th Mar 25

These regulations amend the 2015 Flood Reinsurance regulations, raising the total levy from £135 million to £160 million.

This increase aims to improve the affordability and availability of flood insurance in high-risk areas.

The amendment applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and took effect on April 1st, 2025, without affecting existing liabilities.

The New Heavy-Duty Vehicles (Carbon Dioxide Emission Performance Standards) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025

Published: Fri 21st Mar 25

These regulations amend existing UK legislation concerning carbon dioxide emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles.

The amendments correct errors, update references to reporting periods from 2019 to 2020, clarify definitions related to vehicle registration, and transfer responsibilities from the European Commission to the UK Secretary of State.

The changes aim to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and operational effectiveness of the regulatory framework while maintaining the UK's commitment to reducing carbon emissions from the automotive sector.

The Grants to the Churches Conservation Trust Order 2025

Published: Fri 21st Mar 25

The Grants to the Churches Conservation Trust Order 2025, approved by the House of Commons, authorizes grants totaling up to £3,123,614 to the Churches Conservation Trust between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026 for the preservation of historically significant churches in England and Wales.

The Order revokes the 2022 order and specifies the funding period under the Redundant Churches and other Religious Buildings Act 1969.

The Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) (Amendment and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2025

Published: Mon 17th Mar 25

These regulations amend the 2012 Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) Regulations.

Several fees are increased, including those for prior approval applications, confirmation of compliance with planning conditions, and section 73 applications.

A new three-tiered fee structure for section 73 applications is introduced.

Transitional provisions ensure that the amendments do not apply to applications or requests made before the regulations' commencement date (April 1, 2025), while delaying the application of the annual fee increase provided for in regulation 18A to April 1, 2026.

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Order 2025

Published: Fri 14th Mar 25

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Order 2025 grants the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Company permission to operate and maintain its railway, including a level crossing, and establishes procedures for its potential transfer.

The order specifies details regarding the railway, its maintenance, and the required safety protocols at its level crossing.

It also details processes for transferring ownership or lease of the railway.

The Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Thu 13th Mar 25

The Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants.

Key changes include updated concentration limits and exemptions for several substances in Annexes 1, 4, and 5, reflecting changes to the Stockholm Convention and international best practices.

The amendments add new substances, including Dechlorane Plus, Methoxychlor, and UV-328, to Annex 1 and update waste management provisions and derogations for several substances in Annexes 4 and 5.

A de minimis assessment indicates minimal overall economic impact.

The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Humber Bridge to Easington) Order 2025

Published: Wed 12th Mar 25

The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Humber Bridge to Easington) Order 2025 sets March 26, 2025, as the end date for the access preparation period for coastal margin land between the Humber Bridge and Easington.

This follows the Secretary of State's approval of Natural England's report proposing a coastal access path in this area, based on the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

The Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 11th Mar 25

These regulations amend the UK's implementation of the EU's Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation (EU) 2019/1021.

Specifically, they modify the permitted uses of Dechlorane Plus and UV-328, allowing their continued use in certain applications, such as aerospace, defense, and medical devices, until specific dates in 2030 and 2044.

The amendments also clarify permitted use for replacement parts and repairs within those applications.

The regulations ensure consistency with previous UK legislation (S.I. 2025/296).

The Certification of Fuels and Fireplaces (Charges) (England) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 11th Mar 25

These regulations establish charges for the certification of wood fuel, manufactured solid fuels, and fireplaces in England, under the Clean Air Act 1993 and the Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020.

The regulations detail the specific charges for various application types and supplier categories, including initial applications, recertification, compliance checks, and audits.

These are payable to appointed assessment bodies and are intended to fund the certification process, which helps enforce smoke control measures and contributes to cleaner air, in line with the UK's obligations under the Gothenburg Protocol.

The REACH Fees and Charges (Amendment of Commission Regulation (EC) No 340/2008) Regulations 2025

Published: Mon 10th Mar 25

These regulations amend fees payable to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the UK REACH regulations.

The amendments adjust various fees across multiple annexes (Annex 1-7) of the overarching REACH regulation, which sets fees for chemical registrations and authorisations.

The adjustments consider changes in the consumer price index and HSE administrative costs.

The changes affect fees for different sized businesses and different applications and differ in their variations

The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) Order 2025

Published: Thu 6th Mar 25

The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) Order 2025 designates numerous central government bodies as 'designated bodies' for the financial year ending 31 March 2026.

This designation is for their inclusion in the supply estimates and resource accounts of their respective government departments.

The order covers various government departments and agencies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

It is based on powers granted by the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 and includes consultations with devolved administrations.

The Offshore Installations (Safety Zones) Order 2025

Published: Tue 4th Mar 25

The Offshore Installations (Safety Zones) Order 2025 establishes 500-meter safety zones around five offshore installations in UK waters.

Two installations were already in place when the Order was made and two more will be in place from March or April 2025.

The order is based on the Petroleum Act 1987 and proposals from the Health and Safety Executive, aiming to enhance maritime safety by preventing vessels from entering or remaining in these zones without consent or in accordance with regulations.

The Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 4th Mar 25

The Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2025, effective April 1st, 2025, amend Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 by eliminating the requirement for intensified two-year monitoring of holdings with confirmed atypical scrapie cases in sheep or goats in England.

These changes were made following appropriate advice on public health implications and consultation with relevant stakeholders.

The Wildlife Licence Charges (England) Order 2025

Published: Fri 28th Feb 25

The Wildlife Licence Charges (England) Order 2025, effective March 28, 2025, establishes new fees for wildlife licenses issued by Natural England under various Acts and Regulations.

It details fixed and variable charges based on application complexity and time spent processing the application, outlining exceptions for public safety, serious damage prevention, certain conservation purposes and development projects.

The Order also revokes the 2018 equivalent, maintaining the previous order's standards for applications submitted before the effective date.

The Movement of Goods (Northern Ireland to Great Britain) (Animals, Feed and Food, Plant Health etc.) (Transitory Provision and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025

Published: Wed 26th Feb 25

These regulations create a temporary system for moving specific goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain, mirroring checks on imports from non-EU countries.

This involves applying existing legislation with modifications and specifying entry points.

The regulations also amend other legislation connected to defining ‘qualifying Northern Ireland goods’ to reflect ongoing changes in applicable law.

The Whole of Government Accounts (Designation of Bodies) Order 2025

Published: Tue 25th Feb 25

The Whole of Government Accounts (Designation of Bodies) Order 2025 designates numerous public and local government bodies to provide financial information to the Treasury for the 2024-2025 financial year.

This data is used to compile the Whole of Government Accounts, aiming to improve transparency and accountability in public spending.

The Order came into force on March 18, 2025, and applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The Treasury consulted with Welsh Ministers where deemed appropriate.

The Associated British Ports (Immingham Green Energy Terminal) Order 2025

Published: Fri 14th Feb 25

This Order grants development consent and authorises the construction, operation, and maintenance of a multi-user marine terminal at Immingham Port for importing and exporting bulk liquids.

It incorporates relevant provisions of the Harbours, Docks, and Piers Clauses Act 1847, addresses street works, land acquisition (including compulsory purchase powers), and temporary land possession, outlining compensation procedures and protective measures for various stakeholders.

The order also includes stipulations for environmental management, decommissioning, and compliance with maritime regulations, along with detailed operational and general provisions.

The Environmental Permitting (Electricity Generating Stations) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Fri 14th Feb 25

The regulations establish new requirements for electricity generating stations in England to demonstrate their readiness for future decarbonisation through either carbon capture and storage (CCS) or hydrogen conversion.

Operators must submit detailed technical and economic feasibility assessments when applying for environmental permits, proving they can meet specific conditions for either CCS readiness or hydrogen conversion readiness.

The regulations replace existing Carbon Capture Readiness requirements and extend to both inland and territorial waters adjacent to England.

The Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 2025

Published: Thu 13th Feb 25

The Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 2025, effective March 31, 2025, establish exemptions to existing regulations regarding waste separation in England and Wales.

These exemptions permit the combined collection of certain recyclable waste streams (metal, glass, plastic) by English waste collection authorities.

Additionally, the regulations exempt micro-firms from certain waste collection requirements until March 31, 2027.

The regulations were drafted in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and following consultation with relevant stakeholders.

The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2025

Published: Wed 12th Feb 25

This Order implements significant changes to the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS), primarily splitting the 2026-2030 allocation period into two separate periods: a one-year 2026 allocation period and a four-year 2027-2030 allocation period.

It establishes new processes for free allocation of emissions allowances, modifies eligibility criteria for ultra-small emitters, enhances registry transparency requirements, and expands information sharing powers for climate change policy development.

The Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extensions Offshore Wind Farm (Amendment) Order 2025

Published: Tue 11th Feb 25

This Order amends the 2024 Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extensions Offshore Wind Farm Order, incorporating non-material changes.

These alterations include specifications for minimum air gaps between wind turbine blades and HAT, adjustments to documentation requirements listed in Schedule 18, and other numerical updates to various parameters within Schedule 2.

The amendments follow an application under paragraph 2 of Schedule 6 to the Planning Act 2008 and a review process adhering to the 2011 Regulations.

The Associated British Ports (Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal) Development Consent (Correction) Order 2025

Published: Tue 11th Feb 25

The Associated British Ports (Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal) Development Consent (Correction) Order 2025 rectifies errors and omissions in the 2024 Development Consent Order.

Following requests from the applicant and an interested party, and in accordance with the Planning Act 2008, the Secretary of State made corrections detailed in a schedule.

The corrections encompass various articles and schedules of the original Order amending definitions, referencing, and documentation specifications.

The Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 2025

Published: Mon 10th Feb 25

The Order transfers specific environmental assessment and planning data functions from the UK Secretary of State to Scottish Ministers, granting them concurrent powers over renewable energy projects.

It enables Scottish Ministers to make regulations regarding environmental outcomes reports and planning data for generating stations in Scotland and the Scottish Renewable Energy Zone, while requiring consultation with the Secretary of State.

The Order extends existing devolved powers to include offshore renewable energy developments and maintains coordination between UK and Scottish authorities.