Paragraph 2 Location of projectI1

England and Wales

The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by projects, having regard in particular 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; and

(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 by legislation (including European sites);

(vi)

areas in which there has already been a failure to meet the environmental quality standards, laid down in F1retained EU law and relevant to the project, or in which it is considered that there is such a failure;

(vii)

densely populated areas; and

(viii)

landscapes and sites of historical, cultural or archaeological significance.

Annotations

Textual amendments

F1: Words in Sch. 2 para. 2(c)(vi) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes and the Environmental Impact Assessment (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/245), regs. 1(2)(3), 5(10); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Commencement

I1: Sch. 2 para. 2 in force at 16.5.2017, see reg. 1(3)