Administer environmental legislation

This standard covers the administration of environmental legislation. This might be within a local government planning office or other specialist organisation that has this responsibility and decision-making authority.

You must be able to work within the relevant legislative framework and to consult with colleagues and specialists as needed, to achieve an outcome.

You must be aware of the importance of flora and fauna to the environment.

This standard relates to preservation and conservation orders, felling licences, environmental, amenity and habitat protection, etc. as well as planning restrictions relating to conservation orders.

This standard is for those with authority to administer environmental legislation.

1. follow a set process to administer the environmental legislation related to applications and enquiries
2. keep accurate and complete records to identify and record the stages in the process
3. seek the appropriate permissions where site inspections need to be carried out
4. confirm the process follows the required timescales for implementation
5. liaise with other departments, colleagues and authorities, as necessary
6. confirm that documentation meets the necessary statutory requirements
7. deal with any appeals according to statutory requirements
8. deal with applications to carry out work within the required timescales
9. seek advice and support where necessary

1. the need to have an effective system for documenting processes for administering environmental legislation
2. the importance of keeping accurate and complete records
3. the importance of arranging access for site inspections with the appropriate people
4. the need to involve the relevant authorities who grant consent or permission
5. the importance of completing documentation to meet the requirements of the relevant environmental legislation
6. the statutory requirements and procedures for appeals
7. the timescales involved in administering the environmental legislation
8. the sources of information and advice when clarification is needed
9. the implications and importance of data protection legislation

Relevant authorities: Planning Officers, the Forestry Commission and government departments, as appropriate to the legislation, and equivalent organisations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

Tree protection documentation processes: Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and trees in conservation areas, felling licences, environmental protection, amenity protection, habitat protection