24.—(1) Where it appears to the appropriate nature conservation body that an application for consent under regulation 23(2)(a) relates to an operation which is or forms part of a plan or project which–
(a)is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site, and
(b)is likely to have a significant effect on the site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects),
they shall make an appropriate assessment of the implications for the 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) Where the appropriate nature conservation body refuse consent in accordance with paragraph (2) they shall give reasons for their decision.
(4) The owner or occupier of the land in question may–
(a)within two months of receiving notice of the refusal of consent, or
(b)if no notice of a decision is received by him within three months of an application for consent being made,
by notice in writing to the appropriate nature conversation body require them to refer the matter forthwith to the Secretary of State.
(5) If on the matter being referred to the Secretary of State he is satisfied that, there being no alternative solutions, the plan or project must be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest (which, subject to paragraph (6), may be of a social or economic nature), he may direct the appropriate nature conservation body to give consent to the operation.
(6) Where the site concerned hosts a priority natural habitat type or a priority species, the reasons referred to in paragraph (5) must be either–
(a)reasons relating to human health, public safety or beneficial consequences of primary importance to the environment, or
(b)other reasons which in the opinion of the European Commission are imperative reasons of overriding public interest.
(7) Where the Secretary of State directs the appropriate nature conservation body to give consent under this regulation, he shall secure that such compensatory measures are taken as are necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected.
(8) This regulation does not apply in relation to a site which is a European site by reason only of regulation 10(1)(c) (site protected in accordance with Article 5(4)).