European Metal Recycling Ltd, R (on the application of) v The Environment Agency

European Metal Recycling Ltd, R (on the application of) v The Environment Agency

The Environment Agency failed to comply with the mandatory requirement under Regulation 37(4) to specify the steps required to remove the risk of serious pollution. The suspension notice was therefore unlawful and must be quashed.

Parties
Claimant: European Metal Recycling Limited; Defendant: The Environment Agency
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
31 August 2012
Procedural Posture
Judicial Review / Final Judgment After Substantive Hearing
Outcome
Claim allowed; suspension notice quashed
Legal Topics
Environmental Permitting, Suspension Notices, Judicial Review, Statutory Interpretation

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

European Metal Recycling Limited

Claimant

The Environment Agency

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Judicial Review / Final Judgment After Substantive Hearing

  1. 1 Whether the suspension notice complied with the mandatory requirements of Regulation 37(4) of the Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2010
  2. 2 Whether the Environment Agency's decision to suspend all movement at the site was lawful and proportionate
  3. 3 Whether the Environment Agency was required to specify the steps to be taken to remove the risk of serious pollution

Ratio Decidendi

The Environment Agency failed to comply with the mandatory requirement under Regulation 37(4) to specify the steps required to remove the risk of serious pollution. The suspension notice was therefore unlawful and must be quashed.

Court Disposition

Claim allowed; suspension notice quashed

Orders

  • The suspension notice dated 20 February 2012 is quashed.