Paragraph 19 European protected species onshoreI1

No phase of the connection works may commence until final pre-construction survey work has been carried out to establish whether a European protected species is present on any of the land affected, or likely to be affected, by that phase of the connection works or in any of the trees to be lopped or felled as part of that phase of the connection works.

Where a European protected species is shown to be present, the relevant part of the connection works must not begin until, after consultation with the relevant SNCBs and the relevant planning authority, a scheme of protection and mitigation measures has been submitted to and approved by the relevant planning authority or a European protected species licence granted by Natural England.

The connection works must be carried out in accordance with the approved scheme.

In this Requirement, “European protected species” has the same meaning as in regulations 42 and 46 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 M1.