Location of developmentS
2. The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by development must be considered having regard, in particular, to—
(a)the existing and approved land use;
(b)the relative abundance, availability, quality and regenerative capacity of natural resources (including soil, land, water and biodiversity) in the area and its underground;
(c)the absorption capacity of the natural environment, paying particular attention to the following areas—
(i)wetlands, riparian areas, river mouths;
(ii)coastal zones and the marine environment;
(iii)mountain and forest areas;
(iv)nature reserves and parks;
(v)european sites and other areas classified or protected under national legislation;
(vi)areas in which there has already been a failure to meet the environmental quality standards, laid down in [F1[F2assimilated] law] and relevant to the project, or in which it is considered that there is such a failure;
(vii)densely populated areas;
(viii)landscapes and sites of historical, cultural or archaeological significance.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in sch. 3 para. 2(c)(vi) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Town and Country Planning and Electricity Works (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/80), regs. 1, 5(13) (as amended by S.S.I. 2019/274, regs. 1, 2(2) and S.S.I. 2020/310, regs. 1, 2(2), 4(2)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)