Advice on appropriate assessmentsU.K.
78.—(1) Natural England may provide advice and may make representations to a competent authority in relation to—
(a)any question as to whether that authority is obliged to carry out an appropriate assessment upon which it must consult Natural England under these Regulations; and
(b)any appropriate assessment upon which that authority must consult Natural England under these Regulations.
(2) The Natural Resources Body for Wales may provide advice or make representations to a competent authority in relation to—
(a)any question as to whether that authority is obliged to carry out an appropriate assessment upon which it must consult the Natural Resources Body for Wales under these Regulations; and
(b)any appropriate assessment upon which that authority must consult the Natural Resources Body for Wales under these Regulations.
(3) Scottish Natural Heritage may provide advice and may make representations to a competent authority in relation to—
(a)any question as to whether that authority is obliged to carry out an appropriate assessment upon which it must consult Scottish Natural Heritage under these Regulations; and
(b)any appropriate assessment upon which that authority must consult Scottish Natural Heritage under these Regulations.
(4) Natural England, the Natural Resources Body for Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage may each undertake, commission or support (whether by financial means or otherwise) such research and scientific work as they think is required for the purposes of providing advice or making representations under this regulation.