Form

Apply for a screening decision: uncultivated land or semi-natural areas (form EIA1)

Use this form to apply for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Agriculture) screening decision for projects that will increase agricultural productivity of uncultivated land or semi-natural areas.

• From: Natural England
• Published: 7 August 2014
• Last updated: 19 July 2024 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Form EIA1: apply for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Agriculture) screening decision

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Supplementary sheet EIA (Agriculture): project area details

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Details

Before you complete this form, read the guidance on Changing uncultivated, semi-natural and rural land: when you need permission.  

You must get a screening decision if you’re planning a project that will increase the productivity of the land for agriculture on 2 hectares or more of uncultivated land or semi-natural areas.   

You’ll need to provide:  

• a complete EIA1 form  
• a map of the project area  
• farm records to show evidence of cultivation activity 
• copies of consultation responses – use the appropriate consultation response template  
• an EIA agent authorisation form if you want to authorise an agent to act on your behalf 

If you do not provide enough information about the project, Natural England may:

• request more information from you
• request that you undertake a consultation
• be unable to make a screening decision 

After you’ve submitted your application, Natural England will assess it and decide whether:   

• the work can go ahead  
• you need apply for a consent decision before the project can begin  

If you’re planning a project that will physically restructure rural land, use form EIA1a instead.    

Submit this form   

Submit your form by email: eia.england@naturalengland.org.uk       

You can also send your form by post:  

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Agriculture) Unit
Natural England
Horizon House
Deanery Road
Bristol
BS1 5AH     

If you need help with this form, email eia.england@naturalengland.org.uk or call 0800 028 2140 (freephone).

Published 7 August 2014
Last updated 19 July 2024 + show all updates

1. 19 July 2024

   Updated form to highlight that applicants must read the guidance before completing. Added further guidance about how to answer questions, including where 'not applicable' is allowed. Clarified the need to send copies of any necessary consultation responses, including what to do if a response has been refused. There are now specific sections for: biodiversity; material assets, cultural heritage and landscape; land, soil, water and climate; and population and human health.

2. 30 January 2024

   The EIA1 form has changed. It has been simplified and can be completed digitally rather than by hand, if preferred. The EIA past management supplementary information sheet and Environmental Screening Report (ESR) template have been removed.

3. 14 March 2018

   Adding the Environmental Screening Report (ESR) template

4. 13 August 2014

   Change to form title.

5. 7 August 2014

   First published.