In this edition Trevor Ivory (Partner and UK Head of Planning) is joined by Ian Graves (Legal Director) to discuss issues which arise when applying the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (the Habitats Regulations). Discussions highlight the implications of this regime, including its role in underpinning recently controversial nutrient neutrality requirements.
They discuss:
- What sites are affected;
- The distinction between Habitats Regulations requirements and other environmental considerations (such as for Environmental Impact Assessment);
- "Screening" plans or projects, likely significant effects and the requirement for appropriate assessment;
- Mitigation and Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest (IROPI)
Cases mentioned in this edition are:
- R (Champion) v North Norfolk District Council and others (www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKSC/...)
- Peter Sweetman and others v An Bord Pleanala ECJ Case C-258/11 (eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-conte...)
- Landelijke Vereniging tot Behoud van de Waddenzee and Nederlandse Vereniging tot Bescherming van Vogels v Staatssecretaris van Landbouw and Natuurbeheer en Visserij ECJ Case C-127/02 (eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-conte...)
- People Over Wind and Peter Sweetman v Coillte Teoranta ECJ case C-323/17 (eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-conte...)
- Grace v An Bord Pleanala ECJ Case C-164/17 (eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-conte...)
- Smyth v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and others [2015] EWCA Civ 174 (www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/...)
- CG Fry and Sons Limited v Secretary of State for Levelling Up Housing and Communities and Somerset Council [2023] EWHC 1622 ( www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/.... This case was heard in the Court of Appeal on 19 and 20 March 2024 but no decision has been handed down as yet.
- R (Wilkinson) v South Hams District Council and South Devon Rural Housing Association [2016] EWHC 1860 (www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/...)
- R (Hart District Council) v Secretary of State for Local Government and others (including Natural England as interested party) (www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/...)
- R (Wells) v Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions ECJ Case C-201/02 on reference from the UK High Court (eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-conte...)
- R (Barker) v London Borough of Bromley [2006] UKHL 52 (www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKHL/...)