SCHEDULE 3SELECTION CRITERIA FOR SCREENING SCHEDULE 2 DEVELOPMENT

Location of development

2.

The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by development must be considered, having regard, in particular, to–

(a)

the existing land use;

(b)

the relative abundance, quality and regenerative capacity of natural resources in the area;

(c)

the absorption capacity of the natural environment, paying particular attention to the following areas–

(i)

wetlands;

(ii)

coastal zones;

(iii)

mountain and forest areas;

(iv)

nature reserves and parks;

(v)

areas classified or protected under Member States' legislation; areas designated by Member States pursuant to Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds42 and Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora43;

(vi)

areas in which the environmental quality standards laid down in Community legislation have already been exceeded;

(vii)

densely populated areas;

(viii)

landscapes of historical, cultural or archaeological significance.