Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA)

The Habitats Directive (together with the Birds Directive) forms the foundation for Europe’s nature conservation policy. The Directive creates two main areas of protection, the Natura 2000 network of protected sites and a strict system of species protection.

European Sites

The Natura 2000 Network is made up of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) which host rare, endangered and vulnerable habitats and species of European importance, Special Protection Areas (SPA) which support significant wild birds and their habitats and European Offshore Marine Sites (EOMS).

In Wales and the UK, Ramsar Sites (identified under the Ramsar Convention) are also afforded the same level of protection as fully designated Natura 2000 sites. Together, these international sites are referred to as European Sites.

The Habitats Directive

Embedded within Article 6 (3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive is the requirement for the assessment of plans and projects likely to have significant effects on European Sites.

The Habitats Directive is brought into effect in Wales (and England) by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended) which also transposes the Directive’s requirement to undertake assessment for both projects and plans.

A plan or project cannot be given effect or consented unless it can be determined that it would not have an adverse effect on the integrity of European Sites or, where there are no alternative solutions, there are Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest and compensatory measures are secured to ensure the coherence of the Natura 2000 network. Any plan or project which has the potential to affect a European Site, no matter how far away from that site, should be considered.

Advice and guidance

The Countryside Council for Wales has a crucial role, as the ‘relevant nature conservation body’ within the Habitats Regulations Assessment process. We should be formally consulted on all proposals which require HRA and can provide advice and guidance on the potential effects of plans, projects and developments on the European Sites within Wales and its coastal waters.

Within CCW, Habitats Regulations Assessment of plans and major infrastructure projects is led by the Strategic Policy Group to whom any queries should be directed in the first instance. Queries regarding Habitats Regulations Assessment of other projects should be made to the relevant CCW Regional Offices.