Assessment of implications for European sites
21.—(1) Where it appears to the appropriate nature conservation body that an application for consent under regulation 20(2)(a) relates to an operation which is or forms part of a plan or project which—
(a)is likely to have a significant effect on a European site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects), and
(b)is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of that site,
they must make an appropriate assessment of the implications for that site in view of that site’s conservation objectives.
(2) In the light of the conclusions of the assessment, they may give consent for the operation only after having ascertained that the plan or project will not adversely affect the integrity of the site.
(3) This regulation does not apply in relation to a site which is a European site by reason of regulation 8(1)(c) (site protected in accordance with Article 5(4) of the Habitats Directive).