reg 3B Exceptional circumstances
(1) The Secretary of State may direct that a restructuring project or an uncultivated land project is exempt if the Secretary of State is satisfied that— (a) it is appropriate to do so by reason of exceptional circumstances, (b) an environmental impact assessment in respect of the project would have an adverse effect on the fulfilment of the purpose of the project, (c) the objectives of the EIA Directive will be met even though such an assessment is not carried out, and (d) the project is unlikely to have significant effects on the environment in an EEA State. (2) The effect of a direction that a restructuring project or an uncultivated land project is exempt under paragraph (1) is that these Regulations, except for paragraphs (3) and (4), do not apply in respect of the project. (3) The Secretary of State must not give a direction under paragraph (1) that a restructuring project or an uncultivated land project is exempt unless the Secretary of State has considered whether another form of assessment is appropriate. (4) After the Secretary of State gives a direction under paragraph (1), the Secretary of State must as soon as practicable make available to the public concerned— (a) the direction including an explanation of the reasons for it, and (b) the information obtained under any other assessment considered appropriate in accordance with paragraph (3).