From the Defra website
The Environmental Permitting system simplifies permit applications, amendments and variations for both industry and regulator and thereby cuts unnecessary red tape. It allows regulators to focus resources on medium and high-risk operations whilst continuing to protect the environment and human health.

Environmental Permitting was first applied to Waste Management Licensing and Pollution Prevention and Control and will now be extended to further permitting and compliance regimes. The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010 have been approved by Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales and will come into force on 6 April 2010.

Environmental Permitting Guidance Radioactive Substances Regulation
For the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010
March 2010
 Version  1.1

 Defra