Paragraph 2 Location of projectsF1

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 the Habitats Directive and the Wild Birds Directive;

(vi)

areas in which there has already been a failure to meet the environmental quality standards, laid down in European Union legislation F2as it applied in the United Kingdom immediately before exit day, or in F3assimilated 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.

Annotations

Textual amendments

F1: Sch. 2 substituted (6.8.2018) by The Nuclear Reactors (Environmental Impact Assessment for Decommissioning) (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/834), reg. 1(2), Sch. 2 (with reg. 22)
F2: Words in Sch. 2 para. 2(c)(vi) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Ionising Radiation (Environmental and Public Protection) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/24), regs. 1(1), 2(8); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F3: Word in Sch. 2 para. 2(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. 13 para. 3(2)(c)