Plans and projects

Plans and projects, permissions and consents

The Habitats 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 on it, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, must be appropriately assessed in the context of the site’s conservation objectives. In the light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for the site and subject to the provisions of the implications for the site, and subject to certain special provisions, the competent national authorities shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will NOT adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned and, if appropriate, after having obtained the opinion of the general public.

Detailed guidance on the assessment of plans and projects is included in European Commission Habitats Directive  management guidance documents Managing Natura 2000 sites: The provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC and Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2000 sites available here.