PART 6Nature and biodiversity
Conservation
I1I2111Wildlife conservation: licences
1
In section 10 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (exceptions to section 9 of that Act), in subsection (1)—
a
in paragraph (a), omit the final “or”;
b
at the end insert
or
c
anything done in relation to an animal of any species pursuant to a licence granted by Natural England under regulation 55 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1012) in respect of an animal or animals of that species
2
In section 16 of that Act (power to grant licences), in subsection (3)—
a
in paragraph (h), omit the final “or”;
b
at the end insert
or
j
in England, for reasons of overriding public interest
3
In that section, after subsection (3A) insert—
3B
In England, the appropriate authority shall not grant a licence under subsection (3) unless it is satisfied—
a
that there is no other satisfactory solution, and
b
that the grant of the licence is not detrimental to the survival of any population of the species of animal or plant to which the licence relates.
4
In that section, in subsections (5A)(c) and (6)(b), after “two years,” insert “or in the case of a licence granted by Natural England five years,”
.
5
In that section, in subsection (9)(c), after “to (e)” insert “or (j)”
.
6
In the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1012), in regulation 55(10), for “two years” substitute—
a
five years, in the case of a licence granted by Natural England, or
b
two years, in any other case.