[F1PART IIE+W+SCONSERVATION OF NATURAL HABITATS AND HABITATS OF SPECIES

Textual Amendments

F1Regulations 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)

European sitesE+W+S

[F2Special protection area: notification of proposalS

9B.(1) The Scottish Ministers must if they propose to classify a site as a special protection area give to the appropriate nature conservation body—

(a)notice of that proposal, and

(b)an accompanying statement of the reasons for that proposal.

(2) The appropriate nature conservation body must on being given notice of a proposal, provide a copy of the proposal and the accompanying statement—

(a)to such persons as the Scottish Ministers may direct, and

(b)where, in their opinion, it is appropriate to do so to—

(i)any other person (including owners or occupiers of land or premises), and

(ii)every competent authority which exercises functions in relation to the site, or in relation to an area adjacent to the site.

(3) The appropriate nature conservation body must when they provide a copy of a proposal and accompanying document to any such person or authority specify the period of not less than 12 weeks (the “consultation period”) during which representations may be made to them with respect to the proposal by that person or authority.

(4) The appropriate nature conservation body must as soon as reasonably practicable after expiry of the consultation period provide to the Scottish Ministers a report (the “consultation report”)—

(a)describing any representations made in that period, or

(b)stating that no representations have been made.

(5) The Scottish Ministers must consider the consultation report when determining whether to classify a site as a special protection area.

(6) The Scottish Ministers may—

(a)give guidance to the appropriate nature conservation body for the purpose of the exercise by them of functions under this regulation, and

(b)vary or revoke a direction under paragraph (2)(a).

(7) The appropriate nature conservation body must have regard to any guidance under paragraph (6)(a) in discharging a function referred to in that paragraph.]]