Article 14 Insertion of rule 15A

After rule 15 insert—

“Co-ordination of assessments

15A.

(1)

Where in relation to an EIA application there is in addition to the requirement for an environmental impact assessment to be carried out in accordance with these Rules also a requirement to carry out a Habitats Regulation Assessment, the Scottish Ministers must, where appropriate, ensure that the Habitats Regulation Assessment and the environmental impact assessment are co-ordinated.

(2)

In this rule a “Habitats Regulation Assessment” means an assessment under regulation 48 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994^f1.”.