Protected Sites Strategies

A new power under the Environment Act 2021 to ‘…prepare and publish a strategy for a) improving the conservation and management of a protected site, and b) managing the impact of plans, projects or other activities…on the conservation and management of the protected site’.


What are Protected Sites?

Aerial photo the Tees Estuary SPA
Aerial photo of the Tees Estuary

 

Protected Sites are areas within our land and sea that have been identified as having our ‘best’ nature and wildlife within them.  

There are many protections for nature. In the Environment Act a “protected site” means— 

(a) a Special Protection Area (SPA) and/or Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)                     collectively called 'European sites'

Why do we need another strategy?

Even with these protections we are one of the most ‘nature depleted’ countries in the world, nature is vital for our wellbeing, so we need to support it to flourish again. Protecting and looking after what we have in these areas is vital for our biodiversity and because they support wider nature recovery across our land and sea. 

These protected sites also need our help as many are in unfavourable condition and are experiencing added pressures from outside their site boundaries including climate change, pollution, coastal squeeze to name a few. The Environment Act recognises the need to help out these precious areas and Protected Site Strategies- PSS is the mechanism to do this.

Why do local authorities need to be involved?

Protected Sites Strategies (PSS) ‘the next big thing’ to come out of the Environment Act 2021? We discuss how the thinking & approach are developing ahead of the guidance & what part local authorities can play. Read our Blog Protected Sites Strategies are on the near horizon 

What does the NPPF say?

15. Conserving and enhancing the natural environment

'181. Plans should: distinguish between the hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites; allocate land with the least environmental or amenity value, where consistent with other policies in this Framework...

'186. When determining planning applications, local planning authorities should apply the following principles:

b) development on land within or outside a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and which is likely to have an adverse effect on it (either individually or in combination with other developments), should not normally be permitted...

'187. The following should be given the same protection as habitats sites: 

a) potential Special Protection Areas and possible Special Areas of Conservation

b) listed or proposed Ramsar sites68; and 

c) sites identified, or required, as compensatory measures for adverse effects on habitats sites, potential Special Protection Areas, possible Special Areas of Conservation, and listed or proposed Ramsar sites

'188. The presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply where the plan or project is likely to have a significant effect on a habitats site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects), unless an appropriate assessment has concluded that the plan or project will not adversely affect the integrity of the habitats site

What is PAS here to do?

We are speaking to local authorities, from Parish, District, County, Unitary, Combined and National Park to find out what PSS could mean for you to ensure this new tool has the best chance for the best outcomes for nature. Watch the introductory video to find out more.

 

Nature Network for LPAs - Practitioner Network

  • keep informed of the development of the national PSS programme
  • help PAS design the guidance for LPAs
  • discussion forum
  • case studies of good practice of process and application

The network is for local authority officers interested in nature recovery and PSS . We host an online discussion forum & run events & training. Please fill out this (Microsoft form) if you would like to join.

PSS FAQs

Work in progress come back soon (or pose us questions we can add here)

New SSSI Impact Risk Zone tool for LPAs

A simpler, clearer and faster way to decide when to consult Natural England on planning applications that might affect a SSSI – Natural England (blog.gov.uk)

The SSSI IRZs [Site of Special Scientific Interest Impact Risk Zone] are a geographical information system (GIS) tool that can highlight whether a development proposal poses a risk to the notified features of SSSIs at any given location and require consideration by Natural England.

Launched summer 2024, the new SSSI IRZs tool is now simpler to use, easier to interpret, and can hold and compile any amount of advice relevant to a location and include hyperlinks to guidance.