The Seveso II Directive – EU Directive 96/82/EC – on the control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances introduced a requirement that the objectives of preventing major accidents and limiting the consequences of such are taken into account in land use policies and/or other relevant policies through controls on establishments covered by the directive, or a development in the vicinity of such an establishment. The regulations apply to companies where dangerous substances are present in quantities equal to, or above, specified thresholds. The directive also sets requirements for land use planning controls in relation to and around major hazard establishments.