The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994
Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 4(2)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 4(2)(c); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 4(2)(d); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 4(2)(e); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 4(2)(f); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 4(2)(g); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 4(2)(h); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in reg. 2(2ZA) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 4(4); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Reg. 7 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 8; 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Reg. 8 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 8; 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Reg. 9 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 9; 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Reg. 9A(4)(a) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 10(2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in reg. 10(1)(b) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 12(2)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Reg. 10(1)(c) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 12(2)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in reg. 10(1)(d) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 12(2)(c)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in reg. 10(1)(d) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 12(2)(c)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Reg. 10(2) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 12(3); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in reg. 11(2)(b) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 13(2)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Reg. 11(2)(c) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 13(2)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in reg. 20(a)(iii) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 14(2)(c); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Word in reg. 37A(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 15(2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Reg. 41(3)-(5) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 17(3); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Reg. 48(7) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 20; 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in reg. 49(2)(b) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 21(2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in reg. 49(3) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 21(3); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Reg. 85B(6) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 22; 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in reg. 85C(2)(b) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 23(2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in reg. 85C(3) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 23(2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Reg. 111(2) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 24; 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in reg. 3(2) substituted (18.3.2021) by The Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018 (Consequential, Saving and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2021 (S.S.I. 2021/44), regs. 1(1), 2(2)
Words in reg. 3A(2) omitted (18.3.2021) by virtue of The Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018 (Consequential, Saving and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2021 (S.S.I. 2021/44), regs. 1(1), 2(3)(a)
Words in reg. 3B(3) omitted (18.3.2021) by virtue of The Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018 (Consequential, Saving and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2021 (S.S.I. 2021/44), regs. 1(1), 2(4)
Reg. 3 power to disapply or modify conferred (26.12.2023) by Energy Act 2023 (c. 52), ss. 293(4)(5), 334(3)(j) (with s. 293(6))
Pt. 4 power to disapply or modify conferred (26.12.2023) by Energy Act 2023 (c. 52), ss. 293(4)(5), 334(3)(j) (with s. 293(6))
Reg. 3A power to disapply or modify conferred (26.12.2023) by Energy Act 2023 (c. 52), ss. 293(4)(5), 334(3)(j) (with s. 293(6))
Words in reg. 3(2) substituted (1.11.2025) by The Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 (S.S.I. 2025/165), reg. 1(2), sch. 22 para. 11(2) (with sch. 23)
Words in reg. 3A(4) substituted (1.11.2025) by The Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 (S.S.I. 2025/165), reg. 1(2), sch. 22 para. 11(3) (with sch. 23)
Reg. 83 revoked in so far as not already revoked (1.11.2025) by The Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 (S.S.I. 2025/165), reg. 1(2), sch. 22 para. 11(4) (with sch. 23)
Reg. 84 substituted (1.11.2025) by The Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 (S.S.I. 2025/165), reg. 1(2), sch. 22 para. 11(5) (with sch. 23)
Permits under the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2012
84A
- (1) Regulations 48 and 49 (requirement to consider effect on European sites in Great Britain and European offshore marine sites) apply in relation to the granting of a permit under the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2012.
- (2) Where in such a case the competent authority consider that any adverse effects of the plan or project on the integrity of a European site or European offshore marine site would be avoided if the permit were subject to conditions, they may grant a permit, or cause a permit to be granted, subject to those conditions.
- (3) Regulations 50 and 51 (requirement to review existing decisions and consents, &c.) apply to any such permit as is mentioned in paragraph (1).
- (4) Where on the review of such a permit the competent authority consider that any adverse effects on the integrity of a European site or European offshore marine site of the carrying out or, as the case may be, the continuation of activities authorised by it would be avoided by a variation of the permit, they may vary it, or cause it to be varied, accordingly.
- (5) Where any question arises as to agreeing to a plan or project, of affirming a permit on review, under regulation 49 (considerations of overriding public interest), the competent authority shall refer the matter to the Scottish Ministers who shall determine the matter in accordance with that regulation and give directions to the authority accordingly.
Discharge consents under water pollution legislation
Control of operations requiring consent
53A
- (1) Regulations 48 and 49 (requirement to consider effect on European sites in Great Britain and European offshore marine sites) apply in relation to the granting of any consent under–
- (a) section 13(4) of the 2004 Act to permit a public body to carry out an operation; or
- (b) section 16(3) of the 2004 Act to permit an owner or occupier of land within a site of special scientific interest to carry out an operation requiring consent on the land.
- (2) Where in such a case SNH considers that any adverse effects of the plan or project on the integrity of a European site or European offshore marine site would be avoided if the consent were subject to conditions, it may grant consent subject to those conditions.
- (3) Where, in any case, whether in pursuance of sections 13(4) or 16(3) of the 2004 Act or otherwise, in light of the conclusions of an appropriate assessment made under regulation 48(1), SNH has not given consent for an operation, but it considers that there is a risk that the operation may nevertheless be carried out, it shall notify Scottish Ministers.
Application of sections 19ZC and 19ZD of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
101A
- (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) to (4), sections 19ZC (wildlife inspectors: Scotland) and 19ZD (power to take samples: Scotland) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 apply, for the purposes of these Regulations.
- (2) For the purposes of these Regulations, any reference in section 19ZC or 19ZD of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to that Act or any part thereof, shall be construed as a reference to these Regulations.
- (3) The provisions of section 19ZC of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 apply for the purposes of these Regulations as if—
- (a) in subsection (3)—
- (i) in paragraph (a), the reference to “section 6, 9(5) 11I(1) or 13(2)” was a reference to regulation 39(3) or 43(2) of these Regulations;
- (ii) paragraphs (b) to (d) were omitted; and
- (iii) in paragraph (e)(i) and (ii), “registration or” was omitted;
- (b) in subsection (4)—
- (i) in paragraph (a), for “paragraphs (a) to (c) do” there was substituted “paragraph (a) does”;
- (ii) in paragraph (a)(i) and (ii) “registration or” was omitted; and
- (iii) paragraph (b) was omitted;
- (c) in subsection (5), for the words from “section 6” to “14K” there was substituted a reference to regulation 39(3) or 43(2) of these Regulations;
- (d) in subsection (6), “bird or other” was omitted in each place where it occurs;
- (e) for subsection (9) there was substituted–
(9) In this section– “relevant licence” means a licence under regulation 44 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 which authorises anything which would otherwise be an offence under regulation 39(3) or 43(2) of those Regulations; “specimen” means any animal or plant or any part of, or anything derived from, an animal or plant.
; and
- (f) after subsection (9) there was inserted–
(10) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or to both.
- (4) the provisions of section 19ZD of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 apply for the purposes of these Regulations as if–
- (a) in subsection (1)–
- (i) the reference to “section 19” was a reference to regulation 101 of these Regulations; and
- (ii) the reference to “this Part” was a reference to Part III of these Regulations;
- (b) in subsection (2), the reference to “this Part” was a reference to Part III of these Regulations;
- (c) in subsection (3)–
- (i) for the words from “section 6” to “14K” there was substituted a reference to regulation 39(3) or 43(2) of these Regulations; and
- (ii) “to (d)” was omitted;
- (d) in subsection (4), for the words from “section 6” to “14K” there was substituted a reference to regulation 39(3) or 43(2) of these Regulations;
- (e) in subsection (5), “bird, other” was omitted;
- (f) in subsections (6) and (7), “bird or other” was omitted;
- (g) in subsection (8), the reference to “section 19(2)” was a reference to regulation 101(2) of these Regulations;
- (h) in subsection (10)(b)–
- (i) for “a bird, other” there was substituted “ an ”; and
- (ii) “bird, other” was omitted; and
- (i) after subsection (10) there was inserted–
(11) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or to both.
Proceedings for offences: venue, time limits
Power of court to order forfeiture
Saving for other protective provisions
Surveillance of conservation status of habitats and species
37A
- (1) The Scottish Ministers shall make arrangements in accordance with paragraphs (5) to (7) for the carrying out of surveillance of the conservation status of natural habitats of national interest and species of national interest, and in particular priority natural habitat types and priority species.
- (2) Where, in the case of any species of wild fauna and flora listed in Annex V to the Habitats Directive, the Scottish Ministers consider that the results of surveillance under paragraph (1) makes it necessary to do so, they shall make arrangements for ensuring that the taking in the wild of specimens of such species, and their exploitation, is compatible with their being maintained at favourable conservation status.
- (3) The arrangements to be made under paragraph (2) shall include arrangements for the carrying out of surveillance of the conservation status of the species in question, for the purpose of establishing whether the taking in the wild of specimens of such species, and their exploitation, is compatible with their being maintained at favourable conservation status.
- (4) The Scottish Ministers shall, from time to time, review the arrangements they have made under paragraphs (1), (2) or (3) and if they think it appropriate, revise those arrangements.
- (5) The arrangements made by the Scottish Ministers under paragraph (1) shall ensure that Scottish Natural Heritage implements a strategy for the surveillance of the conservation status of relevant habitats and species in Scotland.
- (6) In implementing that strategy Scottish Natural Heritage shall–
- (a) assess how and to what extent surveillance of the conservation status of relevant habitats and species needs to be carried out, having regard to–
- (i) whether a habitat or species is a priority natural habitat type or a priority species; and
- (ii) the conservation status of the habitat or species; and
- (b) ensure that surveillance is carried out on an ongoing basis.
- (7) Surveillance for the purposes of this regulation may be carried out by–
- (a) Scottish Natural Heritage; or
- (b) any other body or person pursuant to an agreement with Scottish Natural Heritage, provided that Scottish Natural Heritage is satisfied as to the standards and methods of surveillance used by that body or person.
- (8) In paragraphs (5) and (6) a relevant habitat or species means a habitat or species of a type referred to in paragraph (1).
- (9) In this regulation—
- “natural habitats of national interest” means natural habitat types listed in Annex I to the Habitats Directive;
- “species of national interest” means species of wild fauna and flora listed in Annex II, IV or V to the Habitats Directive.
Monitoring incidental capture and killing
41A
- (1) Scottish Natural Heritage must make arrangements in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (5) for monitoring the incidental capture or killing (a “monitoring system”) of animals of the species listed in Annex IV(a) to the Habitats Directive.
- (2) Scottish Natural Heritage must, from time to time, review the monitoring system and, if they think it appropriate, revise it.
- (3) In light of the information gathered from the monitoring system, Scottish Natural Heritage must—
- (a) make arrangements for the carrying out of such research, or
- (b) where appropriate, advise the Scottish Ministers on such conservation measures
as appears or appear to Scottish Natural Heritage to be necessary to ensure that such incidental capture or killing does not have a significant negative impact on the species in question.
- (4) In implementing that monitoring system Scottish Natural Heritage must, in relation to the species of animal listed in Annex IV(a) to the Habitats Directive which are found in Scotland–
- (a) identify the risks of incidental capture or killing to which those species are subject, and the activities which give rise to such risks;
- (b) maintain a record of instances of incidental capture or killing of animals of those species of which Scottish Natural Heritage is aware as a result of the surveillance carried out under regulation 37A, the monitoring carried out under this regulation, or otherwise;
- (c) assess to what extent monitoring of incidental capture or killing is needed, having regard to–
- (i) the risks identified under sub-paragraph (a);
- (ii) the instances of incidental capture or killing recorded under sub-paragraph (b);
- (iii) whether the species is a priority species; and
- (iv) the conservation status of the species; and
- (d) ensure that monitoring of incidental capture or killing is carried out.
- (5) Monitoring for the purposes of this regulation may be carried out by—
- (a) Scottish Natural Heritage; or
- (b) any other body or person–
- (i) pursuant to an agreement with Scottish Natural Heritage, provided that Scottish Natural Heritage is satisfied as to the standards and methods of monitoring used by that body or person; or
- (ii) as a condition of a licence or other authorisation granted by a competent authority.
- (6) The Scottish Ministers may, from time to time, give directions to Scottish Natural Heritage as to the exercise of its functions under paragraphs (1) to (5).
Offence of breaching licence condition
46A
- (1) It is an offence for any person authorised by virtue of a licence granted under regulation 44 on or after 15th May 2007 to contravene, or fail to comply with, any condition imposed on the grant of a licence.
- (2) A person shall not be guilty of an offence under paragraph (1) if that person shows that–
- (a) that person took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid commission of the offence; or
- (b) the commission of the offence was otherwise due to matters beyond that person's control.
- (3) A person guilty of an offence under paragraph (1) is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or to both.
Abstraction and works authorised under water legislation
84B
- (1) Regulations 48 and 49 apply in relation to—
- (a) the grant of an authorisation under regulation 8 (registration) or 9 (water use licence);
- (b) the variation under regulation 19 (variation of authorisation) in accordance with either regulation 20 (procedure for variation) or regulation 21 (request for variation), as the case may be, or the partial variation under regulation 25(4) (determination of application for surrender) of an authorisation; and
- (c) the determination of an appeal under regulation 47 (determination of appeals) against a decision of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency referred to in regulation 46(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (ee) or (g),
of the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 (“the 2005 Regulations”).
- (2) In a case referred to in paragraph (1), where the competent authority considers that any adverse effects of the plan or project on the integrity of a European site or European offshore marine site would be avoided if the grant or variation of the authorisation were subject to conditions or, as the case may be, further conditions, it may grant or vary the authorisation subject to those conditions.
- (3) Regulations 50 and 51 apply to authorisations under regulation 8 or 9 of the 2005 Regulations.
- (4) Where on the review of an authorisation under regulation 8 or 9 of the 2005 Regulations, the competent authority considers that any adverse effects on the integrity of a European site or European offshore marine site of the carrying out or, as the case may be, the continuation of the activity authorised would be avoided by a variation of the authorisation, it may vary the authorisation, or cause it to be varied, accordingly.
Discharge consents under water pollution legislation
PART IVA — APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENTS FOR LAND USE PLANS
Interpretation
85A
- (1) In this Part—
- “the 1997 Planning Act” means the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997;
- “land use plan” means a strategic development plan or local development plan or supplementary guidance as provided for in Part 2 of the 1997 Planning Act;
- “plan making authority” means—a planning authority;the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority and the Cairngorms National Park Authority;the Scottish Ministers when exercising powers under section 13 (approval or rejection of strategic development plans), 20 (constitution of local development plans) or section 23B (default powers of the Scottish Ministers) of the 1997 Planning Act;
- “planning authority” has the meaning given in section 1 of the 1997 Planning Act.
- (2) References in this Part to giving effect to a land use plan are to—
- (a) the adoption by a planning authority, the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority or the Cairngorms National Park Authority of a local development plan under section 20 of the 1997 Planning Act;
- (aa) the adoption of supplementary guidance under section 22 of the 1997 Planning Act;
- (b) the approval by the Scottish Ministers of a strategic development plan under section 13 or a local development plan under section 20 of the 1997 Planning Act.
Assessment of implications for European site
85B
- (1) Where a land use plan—
- (a) is likely to have a significant effect on a European site in Great Britain or a European offshore marine site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects); and
- (b) is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site,
the plan-making authority for that land use plan shall, before the plan is given effect, make an appropriate assessment of the implications for the site in view of that site's conservation objectives.
- (2) The plan-making authority shall for the purposes of the assessment consult the appropriate nature conservation body and have regard to any representations made by that body within such reasonable time as the authority may specify.
- (3) The plan-making authority shall, if it considers it appropriate, take the opinion of the general public, and in doing so, shall take such steps for that purpose as it considers appropriate.
- (4) In the light of the conclusions of the assessment, and subject to regulation 85C (considerations of overriding public interest), the plan-making authority shall give effect to the land use plan only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the European site or the European offshore marine site (as the case may be).
- (5) A plan-making authority other than the Scottish Ministers shall provide such information as the Scottish Ministers may reasonably require—
- (a) to enable the Scottish Ministers to determine whether an assessment under paragraph (1) is required; or
- (b) for the purposes of an assessment under paragraph (1).
- (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Considerations of overriding public interest
85C
- (1) If the plan making authority is satisfied that, there being no alternative solutions, the land use plan must be given effect for imperative reasons of overriding public interest (which subject to paragraph (2), may be of a social or economic nature), it may give effect to the land use plan notwithstanding a negative assessment of the implications for the European site or the European offshore marine site (as the case may be).
- (2) Where the site concerned hosts a priority natural habitat type or a priority species, the reasons referred to in paragraph (1) must be either—
- (a) reasons relating to human health, public safety or beneficial consequences of primary importance to the environment; or
- (b) any other reasons of overriding public interest provided the competent authority has had regard to the opinion of the Scottish Ministers in satisfying themselves that there are such reasons.
- (3) Where a plan-making authority, other than the Scottish Ministers, desires to obtain the opinion of the Scottish Ministers as to whether reasons are to be considered imperative reasons of overriding public interest, it shall submit a written request to the Scottish Ministers—
- (a) identifying the matter on which an opinion is sought; and
- (b) accompanied by any documents or information which may be required.
- (4) In giving their opinion as to whether the reasons are imperative reasons of overriding public interest, the Scottish Ministers must have regard to the national interest, and provide their opinion to the plan-making authority.
- (4A) Before giving their opinion as to whether the reasons are imperative reasons of overriding public interest, the Scottish Ministers must consult the following, and have regard to their opinion—
- (a) the Joint Nature Conservation Committee;
- (b) the Secretary of State;
- (c) the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland;
- (d) the Welsh Ministers; and
- (e) any other person the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate.
- (5) Where a plan-making authority other than the Scottish Ministers proposes to give effect to a land use plan under this regulation notwithstanding a negative assessment of the implications for the site concerned, it shall notify the Scottish Ministers.
- (6) Having notified the Scottish Ministers under paragraph (5), the authority in question shall not give effect to the land use plan before the end of the period of 21 days beginning with the day notified to it by the Scottish Ministers as that on which the notification was received by them, unless the Scottish Ministers notify the authority that it may do so.
- (7) Without prejudice to any other power, the Scottish Ministers may give directions to the plan making authority prohibiting it from giving effect to the land use plan, either indefinitely or during such period as may be specified in the direction.
Co-ordination for land use plan prepared by more than one planning authority
85D
- (1) This regulation applies where two or more planning authorities prepare a strategic development plan under section 4 or a joint local development plan under section 16 of the 1997 Planning Act.
- (2) Nothing in regulation 85B(1) requires a planning authority to assess any implications of a strategic development plan or a joint local development plan which would be more appropriately assessed under that provision by another planning authority.
- (3) The Scottish Ministers may issue guidance to planning authorities for the purposes of regulation 85B(1) as to the circumstances in which a planning authority may or should adopt the reasoning or conclusions of another planning authority as to whether a strategic development plan or a joint local development plan—
- (a) is likely to have a significant effect on a European site or a European offshore marine site, or
- (b) will adversely affect the integrity of a European site or a European offshore marine site.
- (4) The planning authorities involved shall have regard to any guidance issued under paragraph (3) in discharging their functions under regulation 85B(1).
- (5) In determining whether a strategic development plan or a joint local development plan should be adopted under regulation 85C(1) a planning authority shall seek and have regard to the views of other planning authorities involved.
Compensatory measures
85E
Where in accordance with regulation 85C a land use plan is given effect, notwithstanding a negative assessment of the implications for a European site or a European offshore marine site, the Scottish Ministers shall secure that any necessary compensatory measures are taken to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected.
Application of criminal offences to the Crown
104A
- (1) No contravention by the Crown of any provision of these Regulations makes the Crown criminally liable; but the Court of Session may, on the application of any public body or office holder having responsibility for enforcing that provision, declare unlawful any act or omission of the Crown which constitutes such a contravention.
- (2) Despite paragraph (1), the provisions of these Regulations apply to persons in the public service of the Crown as they apply to other persons.
SCHEDULE 2A — EXCLUDED POPULATIONS OF CERTAIN SPECIES
NOTE: The common name or names given in the first column of this table are included by way of guidance only; in the event of dispute or proceedings, the common name or names must not be taken into account.
Directions as regards plans and projects
48A
- (1) The Scottish Ministers may at any time direct a competent authority (other than the Scottish Ministers or the Secretary of State) to send to them a copy of a plan or project–
- (a) which is being prepared by the competent authority, or which is to be or has been undertaken by the competent authority; or
- (b) which is to be or has been consented to, permitted or otherwise authorised by the competent authority,
and which in the opinion of the Scottish Ministers may have a significant effect on a European site in Great Britain.
- (2) The Scottish Ministers shall consider any plan or project in respect of which they have issued a direction under paragraph (1), together with such information in relation to it as they may reasonably require the competent authority to provide.
- (3) Where the Scottish Ministers are satisfied that–
- (a) the plan or project falls within regulation 48(1) and no appropriate assessment has been carried out; or
- (b) an appropriate assessment has been carried out which does not comply with the Habitats Directive and these Regulations,
they may direct the competent authority to carry out an appropriate assessment in accordance with the Habitats Directive and these Regulations.
- (4) A direction under paragraph (3) shall be issued as soon as reasonably practicable, and may, in particular, specify–
- (a) the manner in which an appropriate assessment must be carried out; and
- (b) the matters to be covered by the appropriate assessment.
- (5) Where a direction is issued under paragraph (3), the plan or project and any operation or activity carried out under it is suspended until such time as the Scottish Ministers direct that they are satisfied that an appropriate assessment has been carried out in accordance with the Habitats Directive and these Regulations.
- (6) The Scottish Ministers shall issue a direction under paragraph (5) as soon as reasonably practicable after they are satisfied that an appropriate assessment has been carried out in accordance with the Habitats Directive and these Regulations.
- (7) The Scottish Ministers shall consult with the appropriate nature conservation body as to the exercise of the Scottish Ministers' functions under paragraphs (1) to (6) of this regulation.
- (8) Where a direction is issued under paragraph (3), the Scottish Ministers shall send to the competent authority a summary in writing of their reasons.
- (9) A competent authority shall comply with any direction given to it under paragraph (1) or (3).
Considerations of overriding public interest
Review of existing decisions and consents, &c.
Consideration on review
Co–ordination where more than one competent authority involved
Compensatory measures
Control of operations requiring consent
Protection of certain animals and plants from exploitation
37B
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction of new species from ships
37C
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Licensing the introduction of new species
37D
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
False statements made for obtaining a licence under regulation 37D
37E
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protection of certain wild animals
Further defence to the offences in regulation 39
Protection from incidental capture and killing
41B
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protection of certain wild plants
Local development orders
64A
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Simplified planning zones
Simplified planning zones and European offshore marine sites
65A
The adoption or approval of a simplified planning zone scheme on or after 21st August 2007 shall not have effect to grant planning permission for development which is likely to have a significant effect on a European offshore marine site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects).
Enterprise zones
Enterprise zones and European offshore marine sites
66A
An order designating an enterprise zone, or the approval of a modified scheme, if made or given on or after 21st August 2007, shall not have effect to grant planning permission for development which is likely to have a significant effect on a European offshore marine site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects).
Simplified planning zones and enterprise zones: supplementary provisions as to compensation
Construction as one with planning legislation
Core and other paths
69A
- (1) Regulations 48 and 49 (requirement to consider effect on European sites in Great Britain and European offshore marine sites) apply in relation to a local authority’s proposal—
- (a) to draw up or change a plan for core paths under section 17 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 2);
- (b) to enter a path agreement under section 21 of that Act;
- (c) to create or maintain a path delineated under such an agreement;
- (d) as to how any such path is to be created or maintained;
- (e) to make a path order under section 22 of that Act;
- (f) as to how any path delineated under such an order is to be created or maintained.
- (2) Regulations 50 and 51 (requirement to review certain decisions) apply to any decision by a local authority in relation to any of the things mentioned in paragraph (1).
Cycle tracks and other ancillary works
Constables’ powers in connection with samples
Offences in connection with constables’ powers to take samples
101B
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wildlife inspectors
101C
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Powers of wildlife inspectors to enter premises
101D
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wildlife inspectors’ powers for examining specimens and taking samples
101E
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Offences in connection with wildlife inspectors’ enforcement powers
101F
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restrictions on taking samples from live specimens
101G
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Codes of practice
101H
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advice and assistance from nature conservation bodies
101I
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceedings for offences: venue, time limits
Power of court to order forfeiture
Saving for other protective provisions
Application of criminal offences to the Crown
Application of criminal offences to the Crown
106A
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Local inquiries
Service of notices
Advisory role of the JNCC
109
- (1) The Joint Nature Conservation Committee may provide advice or make representations to any competent authority in relation to—
- (a) any question as to whether that authority is obliged to carry out an appropriate assessment in relation to a European offshore marine site under these Regulations;
- (b) any appropriate assessment on which that authority is obliged to consult the Committee under these Regulations;
- (c) any application made pursuant to regulation 62 of these Regulations and sent to the Committee by that authority pursuant to regulation 62(4); and
- (d) any decision of the Secretary of State in respect of which notice has been served on it by him under regulation 72(2)(b), 76(2)(b) or 80(2)(b) of these Regulations.
- (2) The Joint Nature Conservation Committee may undertake, commission or support (whether by financial means or otherwise) such research and scientific work as it considers is required for the purposes of providing advice or making representations under this regulation.
- (3) In this regulation and regulation 110 of these Regulations, “research” includes inquiries and investigations.
Advisory role of Natural England, the Countryside Council for Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage
110
- (1) Natural England may—
- (a) provide advice and assistance, or make representations, to any competent authority on any matter which relates to England and is connected with the discharge of the competent authority’s functions under these Regulations; and
- (b) undertake, commission or support (whether by financial means or otherwise) such research and scientific work as it considers is required for the purposes of providing advice or assistance or making representations under sub-paragraph (a).
- (2) The Countryside Council for Wales may—
- (a) provide advice and assistance, or make representations, to any competent authority on any matter which relates to Wales and is connected with the discharge of the competent authority’s functions under these Regulations; and
- (b) undertake, commission or support (whether by financial means or otherwise) such research and scientific work as it considers is required for the purposes of providing advice or assistance or making representations under sub-paragraph (a).
- (3) Scottish Natural Heritage may—
- (a) provide advice and assistance, or make representations, to any competent authority on any matter which relates to Scotland and is connected with the discharge of the competent authority’s functions under these Regulations; and
- (b) undertake, commission or support (whether by financial means or otherwise) such research and scientific work as it considers is required for the purposes of providing advice or assistance or making representations under sub-paragraph (a).
Environmental permits under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2007
Compensation for effect of notice
Interpretation
27A
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Grant of development consent
67A
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Development consent: review
67B
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interpretation
Marine works
84C
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discharge consents under water pollution legislation
National Policy Statements
85F
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derogations under the Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations 2008
84D
- (1) Regulations 48 (assessment of implications for European site) and 49 (considerations of overriding public interest) apply in relation to the granting of a derogation under Part 3A of the Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations 2008.
- (2) Where regulations 48 and 49 apply, the competent authority may, if they consider any adverse effects of the plan or project on the integrity of a European site or European offshore marine site would be avoided if the derogation were subject to conditions, grant the derogation, subject to those conditions.
Discharge consents under water pollution legislation
Derogations under the Nitrate Pollution Prevention (Wales) Regulations 2008
84E
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discharge consents under water pollution legislation
Application of Chapters 2, 3 and 4 of Part 2 of the 2004 Act
Chapter 2 of Part 2 of the 2004 Act
Chapter 3 of Part 2 of the 2004 Act
Chapter 4 of Part 2 of the 2004 Act
Special protection area: classification of sites
9A
- (1) The Scottish Ministers must classify as special protection areas such sites (including sites in the Scottish inshore region) as they consider necessary to ensure that the objective specified in paragraph (2) is attained.
- (2) The objective referred to in paragraph (1) is that those sites across the United Kingdom’s territory which are most suitable in number and size for—
- (a) the conservation of species listed in Annex 1 to the Wild Birds Directive which naturally occur in that territory, and
- (b) the conservation of naturally occurring migratory species of birds not listed in Annex 1 which naturally occur in that territory,
are classified as special protection areas, in so far as they consist of sites in Scotland.
- (3) The Scottish Ministers must make their decision as to the sites to be classified under paragraph (1) only on the basis of relevant scientific information and—
- (a) in the case of a site to be classified for the purpose mentioned in paragraph (2)(a), on the basis of criteria set out in Article 4(1) of the Wild Birds Directive, and
- (b) in the case of a site to be classified for the purpose mentioned in paragraph (2)(b), on the basis of criteria set out in Article 4(2) of that Directive.
- (4) In this regulation—
- (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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