The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017

Considerations of overriding public interest U.K.

107.—(1) If the plan-making authority is satisfied that, there being no alternative solutions, the land use plan must be given effect for imperative reasons of overriding public interest (which, subject to paragraph (2), may be of a social or economic nature), it may give effect to the land use plan notwithstanding a negative assessment of the implications for the European site or the European offshore marine site (as the case may be).

(2) Where the site concerned hosts a priority natural habitat type or a priority species, the reasons referred to in paragraph (1) must be either—

(a) reasons relating to human health, public safety or beneficial consequences of primary importance to the environment; or

(b) any other reasons which the plan-making authority, having due regard to the opinion of the [F1 appropriate authority], considers to be imperative reasons of overriding public interest.

(3) Where a plan-making authority other than the Secretary of State or the Welsh Ministers desire to obtain the opinion of the [F2 appropriate authority] as to whether reasons are to be considered imperative reasons of overriding public interest, it may submit a written request to the appropriate authority—

(a) identifying the matter on which an opinion is sought; and

(b) accompanied by any documents or information which may be required.

[F3 (4) In giving its opinion as to whether the reasons are imperative reasons of overriding public interest, the appropriate authority must have regard to the national interest, and provide its opinion to the competent authority.]

[F4 (4A) Before giving its opinion as to whether the reasons are imperative reasons of overriding public interest, the appropriate authority must consult the following, and have regard to their opinion—

(a) the Joint Nature Conservation Committee;

(b) where the appropriate authority is the Secretary of State, the devolved administrations;

(c) where the appropriate authority is the Welsh Ministers, the Secretary of State and the other devolved administrations; and

(d) any other person the appropriate authority considers appropriate.]

(5) Where a plan-making authority other than the Secretary of State or the Welsh Ministers propose to give effect to a land use plan under this regulation notwithstanding a negative assessment of the implications for the site concerned it must—

(a) notify the appropriate authority; and

(b) not give effect to the land use plan before the end of the period of 21 days beginning with the day notified by the appropriate authority as that on which its notification was received, unless the appropriate authority notify it that it may do so.

(6) Without prejudice to any other power, the appropriate authority may give directions to the plan-making authority in any such case prohibiting it from giving effect to the land use plan, either indefinitely or during such period as may be specified in the direction.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in reg. 107(2)(b) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/579), regs. 1, 26(2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F2 Words in reg. 107(3) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/579), regs. 1, 26(2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F3 Reg. 107(4) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/579), regs. 1, 26(3); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F4 Reg. 107(4A) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/579), regs. 1, 26(4); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)