Habitat Regulations Assessment - appropriate assessment

Consenting organisation

Marine Management Organisation (MMO), upon advice from Natural England.

Details

These regulations control development with Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) by restricting consent for developments which may affect the ecology of the sites.

When is it required?

Any application for proposed works within or adjacent to the Plymouth Sound and estuaries SAC or the Tamar Estuaries Complex SPA.

Associated legislation

The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994 – appropriate assessment

Application process

• When the application is received the relevant checks will be made to ensure all information has been sent. This information will be put into the database.
• Consideration is made if wildlife licence might be needed. Where yes, the applicant is informed.
• If a wildlife licence is applied for, check criteria to see if it can be granted.
• The MMO ensures the applicant has provided the correct fee.
• MMO will identify which advisory bodies should be consulted and will consider the need for appropriate assessment.
• During the next five weeks MMO will liaise with consultees.
• Consultee responses are considered and if an appropriate assessment is identified, this must be undertaken as part of an EIA.
• The next stage is determining whether to license and appropriate assessment is carried out where necessary.

Appeals procedure

Contact consenting organisation for further details.

Consultation process

Where an appropriate assessment is required under the habitats directive, the Environmental Impact Assessment must provide the authority with the correct information that will be required.

Course of action under the habitats regulations

Notification and consultation with Natural England if the site is or likely to affect European site. There is a judgement on whether the development is likely to have a significant effect on features of European site. If so, an appropriate assessment will need to be carried out. All applications of any description will be subject to the requirements of the habitats regulation if they have the potential to impact on the European marine site.

Timescales

Contact consenting organisation for further information.

Cost

Contact consenting organisation for further information.

Contact details

Marine Management Organisation

Head Office: Hampshire Court, Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7YH

Plymouth Office: Fish Quay, Sutton Harbour, Plymouth, PL4 0HL
Telephone: 01752 228001 (initial contact with Plymouth office is recommended)
Website: Marine Management

Natural England

Cornwall, Devon and Isles of Scilly Team, Renslade House, Bonhay Road, Exeter EX4 3AW
Telephone: 0300 060 2424
Website: Natural England

Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum (TECF)

C/o Development Planning, Plymouth City Council, Civic Centre, Plymouth, PL1 2AA
Telephone: 01752 304339
Website: Tamar Estuaries

Remember! You may require further consents. Visit the development page to find out.