It requires each installation to have a permit containing emission limit values and other conditions based on the application of best available technique (BAT) and set to minimise emissions of pollutants likely to be emitted in significant quantities to air, water or land. Permit conditions also have to address energy efficiency, waste minimisation, prevention of accidental emissions, and site restoration.

The Commission launched in November 2005 a review of the IPPC Directive. The general objective of the review was stated as `to evaluate the scope to improve the functioning of the Directive and its interaction with other legislation, in particular related to industrial emissions, while not altering the main underlying principles and the level of ambition set in the Directive’.

The review culminated in the publication on 21 December 2007 of a Commission Communication accompanying the Commission’s proposal for a Directive `on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control)(recast), which in turn was accompanied by an impact assessment.

We welcome your views and comments on the European Commission’s proposals concerning the intensive livestock sector. They will inform the development of a formal UK Government position for use as the co-decision process advances through the autumn and winter of 2008 and thereafter.

Responses should be received no later than 25 July 2008.