The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994

[F1 Considerations of overriding public interest E+W+S

49.— (1) If they are 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 (2), may be of a social or economic nature), the competent authority may agree [F2 , subject to paragraph (1A),] to the plan or project notwithstanding a negative assessment of the implications for the site.

[F3 (1A) A competent authority other than the Scottish Ministers or the Secretary of State shall consult the Scottish Ministers for the purpose of satisfying itself under paragraph (1), and shall have regard to the opinion of the Scottish Ministers.]

(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

[F4 (b) any other imperative reasons of overriding public interest, provided that the competent authority has had regard to the opinion of the [F5 Scottish Ministers] in satisfying itself that there are such reasons.]

(3) Where a competent authority other than the Secretary of State desire to obtain [F6 , for the purposes of paragraph (2)(b), the opinion of the Scottish Ministers as to whether reasons are to be considered imperative reasons of overriding public interest, they must submit a written request to the Scottish Ministers]—

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

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

[F7 (4) In giving, for the purposes of paragraph (2)(b), their opinion as to whether the reasons are imperative reasons of overriding public interest, the Scottish Ministers must have regard to the national interest, and provide their opinion to the competent authority.]

[F8 (4A) Before giving, for the purposes of paragraph (2)(b), their opinion as to whether the reasons are imperative reasons of overriding public interest, the Scottish Ministers must consult the following, and have regard to their opinion—

(a) the Joint Nature Conservation Committee;

(b) the Secretary of State;

(c) the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland;

(d) the Welsh Ministers; and

(e) any other person the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate.]

(5) Where an authority other than the Secretary of State propose to agree to a plan or project under this regulation notwithstanding a negative assessment of the implications for [F9 the site concerned], they shall notify the Secretary of State.

Having notified the Secretary of State, they shall not agree to the plan or project before the end of the period of 21 days beginning with the day notified to them by the Secretary of State as that on which their notification was received by him, unless the Secretary of State notifies them that they may do so.

(6) In any such case the Secretary of State may give directions to the authority prohibiting them from agreeing to the plan or project, either indefinitely or during such period as may be specified in the direction.

This power is without prejudice to any other power of the Secretary of State in relation to the decision in question.

[F10 (7) A competent authority shall comply with any direction given to it under paragraph (6).]]

Textual Amendments

F1 Regulations revoked (E.W.) (1.4.2010 except so far as relating to the revocation in relation to W. of reg. 36 and specified words in reg. 3(3), 12.12.2014 in so far as not already in force) by The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/490), regs. 1(2)(4)(b), 133(3) (with regs. 125, 134)

F2 Words in reg. 49(1) inserted (S.) (29.6.2007) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Amendment (No. 2) (Scotland) Regulations 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/349), regs. 1(1), 2(4)(a)

F3 Reg. 49(1A) inserted (S.) (29.6.2007) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Amendment (No. 2) (Scotland) Regulations 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/349), regs. 1(1), 2(4)(b)

F4 Reg. 49(2)(b) substituted (S.) (15.2.2007) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/80), regs. 2, 19

F5 Words in reg. 49(2)(b) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 21(2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F6 Words in reg. 49(3) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 21(3); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F7 Reg. 49(4) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 21(4); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F8 Reg. 49(4A) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/113), regs. 1, 21(5); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F9 Words in reg. 49(5) substituted (21.8.2007) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/1843), regs. 2(1), 5(24)(b) (with reg. 9)

F10 Reg. 49(7) inserted (S.) (29.6.2007) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Amendment (No. 2) (Scotland) Regulations 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/349), regs. 1(1), 2(4)(c)

Commencement Information

I1 Reg. 49 in force at 30.10.1994, see reg. 1(2)