Paragraph 2 Location of projectsF1

The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by projects must be considered, with particular regard to:—

(a)

the existing and approved land use;

(b)

the relative abundance, availability, quality and regenerative capacity of natural resources (including soil, land, water, and biodiversity) in the area and its underground;

(c)

the absorption capacity of the natural environment, paying particular attention to the following areas:—

(i)

wetlands, riparian areas, river mouths;

(ii)

coastal zones and the marine environment;

(iii)

mountain and forest areas;

(iv)

nature reserves and parks;

(v)

areas classified or protected under legislation (“including European sites or Areas of Special Scientific Interest” or “Natura 2000 areas F2...”);

(vi)

areas in which there has already been a failure to meet the environmental quality standards, laid down in Union legislation and relevant to the project, or in which it is considered that there is such a failure;

(vii)

densely populated areas;

(viii)

landscapes and sites of historical, cultural or archaeological significance.

Annotations

Textual amendments

F1: Sch. 2 substituted (25.9.2017) by The Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 (S.R. 2017/198), reg. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with reg. 20)
F2: Words in Sch. 2 para. 2(c)(v) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Environmental Impact Assessment (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) (No. 2) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/279), regs. 1(1), 4(9); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)