London Environmental Review & Call-In Timeline - Bylaws
In London, England, major environmental reviews and planning call-ins follow a mix of Greater London Authority procedures and national planning law. This guide explains who can refer or call in applications, typical timelines for Environmental Impact Assessment screening and scoping, and where decisions may be escalated to the Mayor or national authorities. It is aimed at applicants, agents, and community groups seeking a clear timeline, application routes, enforcement pathways, and practical next steps for appeals and compliance.
Overview of major environmental reviews and call-in
Major projects that require Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or fall within the Mayor of London’s referral criteria may be referred by a local planning authority to the Greater London Authority for a decision or direction; see the Mayor’s planning decision guidance Mayoral planning powers[1]. The Mayor’s formal referral and decision powers are established by statute in the Town and Country Planning (Mayor of London) Order 2008 S.I. 2008/580[2]. The EIA procedure and thresholds for screening/scoping are set out in the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 S.I. 2017/571[3].
Timeline: typical stages and statutory timeframes
- Screening request decision: often within 5 to 8 weeks of submission to the local planning authority (LPA); specific timescales set by EIA regulations or LPA practice.
- Scoping opinion: usually issued within 5 weeks after a valid scoping request to the relevant authority under EIA rules.
- Planning application consultation: statutory consultee periods commonly 21 to 42 days depending on the consultee and project scale.
- Mayoral referral decision period: the Mayor has statutory timescales to decide on referred applications, as set out in the Mayor’s procedures and the 2008 Order.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement for non-compliance with planning controls, EIA requirements or conditions is carried out by the local planning authority (or, for strategic matters, may involve the Mayor or national authorities). Specific monetary penalties and fines vary by offence and enforcement route; where exact sums are not listed on the cited pages, this article states that the amount is "not specified on the cited page" and directs readers to the controlling instruments for procedure and sanctions.[2][3]
- Fines: not specified on the cited pages for mayoral referral and EIA procedure; refer to enforcement provisions in planning legislation for court-imposed penalties.
- Escalation: first offences may lead to enforcement notices or remedial requirements; repeat or continuing breaches can lead to prosecution and higher penalties (ranges not specified on the cited pages).
- Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement notices, stop notices, injunctions, requirements to carry out works, and possible seizure or suspension depending on ancillary legislation.
- Enforcer and complaints: local planning enforcement teams and environmental health departments enforce breaches; strategic referrals and call-ins may be handled by the Greater London Authority or the Secretary of State.
- Appeals and reviews: appeals against enforcement notices are typically to the Planning Inspectorate or via judicial review where legal error is alleged; time limits for appeals or compliance periods are set in the notice or relevant regulation (check the notice for exact time limits).
Applications & Forms
Planning applications and requests for screening or scoping should use the local planning authority’s application channels; many LPAs accept submissions via the national Planning Portal or their local online portals. Specific form numbers or fees are set by the LPA or by national fee regulations and are not consolidated on the Mayor’s referral pages cited above.[1][3]
How to request a mayoral call-in or refer a major project
- Submit a planning application to the local planning authority (LPA) with full EIA documentation where required.
- If the proposal meets referral criteria, the LPA will refer it to the Mayor who may direct the LPA to refuse or grant permission.
- Contact the Mayor’s planning team or your LPA for pre-application advice about referral likelihood and timing.
FAQ
- Who can ask for a project to be called in?
- Local planning authorities, the Mayor of London under referral criteria, and the Secretary of State can exercise call-in powers depending on statutory thresholds and the project's nature.
- How long does an EIA scoping opinion take?
- Scoping opinions are commonly issued within about five weeks of a valid request, subject to the authority’s procedures and case complexity.
- Can I appeal a mayoral decision?
- Decisions made by the Mayor or under referral orders may be subject to statutory review routes or judicial review; appeal routes depend on the decision instrument and are time-limited.
How-To
- Check whether your project meets EIA criteria and the Mayor’s referral thresholds.
- Prepare a screening/scoping request with supporting documentation and submit it to the LPA.
- Engage with statutory consultees and seek pre-application advice from the LPA and the GLA if strategic issues are likely.
- If referred, monitor the Mayor’s decision period and be ready to respond to information requests promptly.
Key Takeaways
- Major environmental reviews in London can trigger mayoral referral and statutory EIA processes.
- Typical screening and scoping aim for decisions within several weeks but vary by complexity.
- Contact the LPA and the Mayor’s planning team early for advice to reduce delays.
Help and Support / Resources
- Greater London Authority planning pages
- Planning Inspectorate (appeals and enforcement procedures)
- Legislation.gov.uk (statutory instruments and regulations)