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 F2... ;

(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) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 (S.R. 2017/86), reg. 1, Sch. 3
F2: Words in Sch. 3 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), 3(9); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)