Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA), including Appropriate Assessment (AA)

Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) tests whether the impacts identified as arising from a proposal, plan or project are likely to have a significant effect on European Sites of nature conservation importance (Natura 2000 or ‘N2K’ sites). The requirement for HRA of plans and project stems from the European Habitats Directive.

Enfusion has a particular experience and expertise in the developing field of Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) for plans across England, Wales and Scotland. Click here to download our HRA Capability Statement

Examples of Projects:

PROJECT: HRA TOOLKIT

South East Wales Strategic Planning Group

Studies to examine the potential opportunities & challenges for joint working on HRA & AA across the SE Wales region (10 local authorities); integrated approach sharing evidence base for Natura 2000 site data; incorporation of effects analysis and cumulative assessment to inform HRA screening & AA; development of step-by-step approach and preparation of toolkit with templates for HRA assessment and reporting stages.

PROJECT: HRA SCREENING & AA of LONDON SOUTHEND AIRPORT & ENVIRONS JOINT AREA ACTION PLAN DPD

Rochford District Council & Southend on Sea Borough Council

Policy screening and site focused assessment for proposals to expand Southend Airport including a runway extension; key issues are for increased disturbance and reduced water resources and quality; potential for increased disturbance to protected bird species as a result of increased aviation; potential for increased abstraction as a result of proposed employment development. The AA recommended that the Submission JAAP DPD should set a challenging policy to restrict additional water use within the plan area.

Department of Energy & Climate Change

HRA Screening & Appropriate Assessment (where necessary) of the proposed national level policy and the potentially suitable sites for new nuclear power stations in England & Wales; refinement of methods; wide consultation with statutory bodies and other Government departments. HRA carried out in parallel with the Appraisals of Sustainability. Findings included guidance and information to help development consent process with planning applications for these Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs).

PROJECT: HRA/AA of PEMBROKESHIRE COAST NATIONAL PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN & LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority

HRA Screening & Appropriate Assessment of NPMP and LDP with policy screening and site focused assessment; key issues are recreational pressures, sewerage capacity, water quality & resources for marine and terrestrial European sites; consideration of in-combination impacts from surrounding LDPs, tourism strategies, transport plans & catchment strategies.