Consultation

Statutory and non-statutory consultation

Consultation bodies shall be given an opportunity to express an opinion on the project and the EIAR before a decision is made on whether to proceed with the project. The consultation bodies comprise:

  • The appropriate planning authority (including National Park authorities if relevant)
  • NatureScot
  • Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
  • Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
  • Any other public body which Transport Scotland consider is likely to have an interest in the project because of that body’s specific environmental responsibilities or local and regional competence.

These bodies should be consulted during the course of the project development as well as after publication of the EIAR. Consultation with non-statutory specialist organisations where relevant to the project can also be undertaken.

Each consultation body should be provided with a copy of the EIAR, free of charge. The Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 provides that a decision on whether to proceed with the project cannot be taken within a period of 42 days commencing with the date of the sending of the EIAR to the consultation bodies.

Public consultation

Members of the public should be given a reasonable opportunity to express an opinion on the project and EIAR prior to a decision being made. This consultation period shall be not less than 42 days (6 weeks) from the date of publication of the notice of the EIAR.

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