Paragraph 2 Location of the projectF1

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 national legislation, Natura 2000 areas designated by member States pursuant to Directive 92/43 and Directive 2009/147;

(vi)

areas in which there has already been a failure to meet the environmental quality standards, laid down in 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. 3 substituted (16.5.2017) by The Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/592), regs. 1(1), 26 (with reg. 28)