Habitats Regulations Assessment has its roots in Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the European Union Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) which seeks to protect and enhance the integrity and extent of important habitats that support rare species. These habitats are designated as sites of nature conservation interest of European importance, and contribute to the Natura 2000 network. The Directive requires that:

'Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives.' Article 6(3)

In October 2005 the European Court of Justice ruled that the UK Government had failed to correctly transpose into UK law the provisions of the Habitats Directive in so far as it relates to land use planning. As a result revisions are being made to the Habitats Regulations that will, at a minimum, require all land use planning documents (Regional Spatial Strategies, Development Plan Documents and Supplementary Planning Documents) to be screened for the effects they may have on European Sites.

European Sites are Special Protection Areas designated under the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) and Special Areas of Conservation designated under the Habitats Directive. Planning Policy Statement 9 (Biodiversity) extends this requirement to also cover Ramsar Sites designated under the International Convention for the Protection of Wetlands (1976).

UE Associates is ideally placed to advise authorities on the implications of the ECJ ruling and assist in the preparation of Screening Statements and Habitats Regulations Assessment/Appropriate Assessment Reports.

Our in-depth understanding of the new planning system, experience in SA and SEA, ecological expertise and solid links with the statutory environmental consultation bodies enable us to deliver robust Appropriate Assessments.

Our HRA capabilities include:
  • Site analysis and trend analysis;
  • Screening frameworks;
  • Geographic Information Systems;
  • Strategic alternatives;
  • Mitigation and sustainability advice;
  • Screening Statements and AA Reports;
  • Expert Witness work; and
  • Capacity building.