Planning Support for Sites Handling Controlled Substances
Hazardous Substance Consent is a legal requirement under the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2015 for sites that store or use certain quantities of hazardous materials. It operates alongside planning permission and is designed to ensure that risks to people and the environment are properly assessed and managed before development proceeds.
Substances covered include:
• Flammable gases and liquids
• Toxic and oxidising agents
• Explosives and ammonium nitrate
• Substances hazardous to aquatic environments
Failure to obtain HSC where required can result in enforcement action, delays, or legal penalties.
Securing Hazardous Substances Consent (HSC) is not just a regulatory box-tick—it’s a critical part of responsible site planning and risk management. It ensures that:
• Public safety and environmental risks are assessed and mitigated
• Emergency services and local authorities are informed and prepared
• Your development is legally compliant and future-proofed
• Planning and operational risks are minimised early in the project lifecycle
For developers, operators, and landowners, early engagement with HSC requirements can prevent costly redesigns, objections, or delays later in the planning process.
Arthian supports Hazardous Substance Consent (HSC) applications with a full range of services, including threshold screening, regulatory advice, and application preparation. We provide risk assessments, liaise with stakeholders, and ensure HSC is fully integrated with planning and EIA processes.
We assess whether your project triggers HSC thresholds and provide guidance on:
We prepare and submit complete, policy-compliant applications to support smooth approvals. This includes:
Our in-house safety consultants support the preparation of risk assessments and safety documentation to ensure:
We manage communication with key regulatory bodies to support smooth and timely approvals. This includes:
Where relevant, we integrate HSC considerations into:
We assess whether your project triggers HSC thresholds and provide guidance on:
We prepare and submit complete, policy-compliant applications to support smooth approvals. This includes:
Our in-house safety consultants support the preparation of risk assessments and safety documentation to ensure:
We manage communication with key regulatory bodies to support smooth and timely approvals. This includes:
Where relevant, we integrate HSC considerations into:
Fully integrated with geotechnical, hydrological, and ecological disciplines.
National experience with regional insight and regulatory familiarity.
Deep understanding of planning, infrastructure, and environmental interfaces.
Commitment to technical rigour, clear communication, and long-term outcomes.
Yes. HSC is a separate legal requirement from planning permission. If your site stores or uses hazardous substances above set thresholds, you must obtain HSC in addition to any planning consents.
The list includes flammable gases, toxic chemicals, oxidisers, and substances hazardous to the environment. Thresholds vary by substance and are set out in the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations.
HSC is granted by the local Hazardous Substances Authority, often the local planning authority, in consultation with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Yes. While it is a separate consent, we often coordinate HSC applications alongside planning submissions and Environmental Impact Assessments to streamline the process.
We’d love to hear from you – whether you have a question, a project in mind, want to explore job opportunities, or just want to say hello.