Paragraph 2 Location of projects

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, 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 in accordance with EEA States' legislation; Natura 2000 areas F1...;

(vi)

areas in which there has already been a failure to meet the environmental quality standards laid down in Union legislation F2prior to exit day or 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 of historical, cultural or archaeological significance.

Annotations

Textual amendments

F1: Words in Sch. 2 para. 2(c)(v) omitted (31.1.2020) by virtue of The Environmental Impact Assessment (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) (No. 2) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/279), regs. 1(1), 5(8)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F2: Words in Sch. 2 para. 2(c)(vi) inserted (31.1.2020) by The Environmental Impact Assessment (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) (No. 2) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/279), regs. 1(1), 5(8)(b); 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. 10 para. 29(c)