Paragraph 2 Location of development

United Kingdom

(1)

The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by development 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)

European sites and other areas classified or protected under national legislation

(vi)

areas in which there has already been a failure to meet the environmental quality standards, laid down in F1F2assimilated law 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.

(2)

In this Schedule “European site” means a site within the meaning of F3the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

Annotations

Textual amendments

F1: Words in Sch. 3 para. 2(1)(c)(vi) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Environmental Assessments and Miscellaneous Planning (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1232), regs. 1(2), 7(10); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F2: Word in Sch. 3 para. 2(1)(c)(vi) substituted (27.2.2025) by The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/82), reg. 1(2), Sch. 5 para. 5(b)
F3: Words in Sch. 3 para. 2(2) substituted (30.11.2017) by The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1012), reg. 1(2), Sch. 6 para. 80(3)