A single permit will be introduced under the Environmental Permitting Programme, replacing the current waste management licence (WML) and pollution prevention and control (PPC) systems.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has produced a leaflet outlining the changes, which come into effect from April next year.

Environment Minister Joan Ruddock said:

"This is a very welcome commonsense move. It will increase clarity and cut the administrative burden for a number of organisations without compromising the existing high standards of protection for the environment and human health."