Form

Apply for consent to change uncultivated, semi-natural and rural land

Use these forms if you need to apply for a consent decision to increase the productivity of land for agriculture.

• From: Natural England
• Published: 30 January 2024

Applies to England

Documents

Form EIA4: apply for a consent decision

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Form EIA3: apply for a scoping opinion

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Details

You will need a consent decision, the second stage of the application process to change land, if:

• you have already applied for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Agriculture) screening decision, and Natural England has advised that you need an environmental statement
• you’re planning a project that will increase the productivity of the land for agriculture on 2 hectares or more of semi-natural or uncultivated land, and your project is likely to have a significant environmental effect
• you’re planning a project that will restructure rural land equal or exceeding the thresholds for restructuring projects, and your project is likely to have a significant environmental effect

Before applying you should read the guidance Changing uncultivated, semi-natural and rural land: when you need permission.

You should apply for both:

• a scoping opinion, if your screening decision showed your project would have a likely significant environmental effect
• a consent decision

If you decide to appoint an agent to act on your behalf, you will also need to complete an agent authorisation form.

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 consent decision

You should contact Natural England for advice before you apply for a scoping opinion if:

• you have not already applied for a screening decision
• your project has changed since your screening decision

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 30 January 2024