1.—(1) In formulating any relevant proposals, a licence holder or a person authorised by exemption to generate or supply electricity—
(a)shall have regard to the need to conserve the natural beauty and amenity of the countryside and the need to protect (so far as reasonably practicable) flora, fauna and geological and physiographical features of the countryside and the need to protect sites, buildings and objects of architectural, historic or archaeological interest from any harmful effects which might result from such proposals; and
(b)shall do what he reasonably can to mitigate any effect which the proposals would have on the natural beauty of the countryside or on any such flora, fauna, features, sites, buildings or objects.
(2) In considering any relevant proposals for which its consent is required under Article 39 or 40, the Department shall have regard to—
(a)the matters mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(a); and
(b)the extent to which the person by whom the proposals were formulated has complied with his duty under sub-paragraph (1)(b).
(3) Without prejudice to sub-paragraphs (1) and (2), in exercising any functions under this Order each of the following, namely, a licence holder, a person authorised by an exemption to generate or supply electricity and the Department shall avoid, so far as possible, causing injury to fisheries or to the stock of fish in any waters.
(4) In this paragraph—
“building” includes structure;
“relevant proposals” means any proposals—
(a)for the construction or extension of a generating station of a capacity not less than 10 megawatts, or for the operation of such a station in a different manner;
(b)for the installation (whether above or below ground) of an electric line; or
(c)for the execution of any other works for or in connection with the transmission or supply of electricity.
(5) The Department may by order provide that sub-paragraph (4) shall have effect as if for the capacity mentioned in head (a) there were substituted such other capacity as may be specified in the order.