Protection of SSSIs

Liaison, casework and cross compliance

If the conservation of special features on SSSIs is to be achieved, then legal designation of sites is only the beginning.  CCW must also build long-term relationships with landowners, occupiers, other agencies and the public to ensure that deliberate or accidental damage does not occur on the site.

Liaison with Owners and Occupiers

Records show that CCW spent approximately 1,300 days of staff time during 2005-6 liaising with SSSI owners and occupiers to give advice, information and support. This may have been via a site visit, group meeting or by phone, email or letter. Staff can help guide the owner through the process of seeking consent to carry out operations or developments as well as giving advice on grant aid and practical conservation management. 

Casework

CCW is formally consulted on a wide range of planning applications and other proposed developments and activities that may affect SSSIs. CCW will recommend ways in which the development may be altered to ensure that there is no harm to the site’s special features. In extreme cases, if harm is unavoidable, CCW may lodge an objection to the proposal. In 2005-6 CCW dealt with an estimated 16,570 items of casework in Wales both large and small, affecting both SSSIs and the wider countryside.

Cross Compliance

‘Cross compliance’ is a condition of receiving agricultural support (under the Single Payment Scheme). It requires that farmers keep the land in ‘Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition’, meeting statutory management requirements which include compliance with SSSI legislation and agreements. CCW staff spent approximately 61 days during 2005-6 liaising with SSSI owners regarding cross compliance issues. 23 breaches were reported to the National Assembly of Wales in the year, 6 of which related to SSSIs.