The decision on whether an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required for a proposed project rests with the appropriate competent authority. In the case of projects which fall within the planning system, the competent authority is normally the local planning authority. The Environment Agency’s role for EIA purposes is as a statutory consultation body. There is a statutory appeal mechanism for an applicant for planning permission who disagrees with a planning authority's decision to require EIA. Action against an authority's decision not to require EIA, however, could only be pursued by means of an application for judicial review.