Document Status
Current
Supplement
Sustainability, Environment, Development & Planning
Series
Advice Note
Abstract
Provides advice on the Habitats Regulations assessments with regard to applicant and decision maker obligations in relation to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). Covers: what a Habitats Regulations Assessment is; legislation and guidance; the Habitats Regulations Assessment process; an applicant's Habitats Regulations Assessment; stage 1: screening for likely significant effects; stage 2: appropriate assessment - the 'integrity test'; stage 3: derogations; acceptance and examination; the Report on the Implications for European Sites (RIES); other considerations; and presentation of information.
History
Last updated: 14 July 2026 - Updated preamble to remove reference to publication of advice page(s) under s51 of the Planning Act 2008. Sourced from: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nationally-significant-infrastructure-projects-advice-on-habitats-regulations-assessments and converted to pdf. Whilst we endeavour to capture all updates it is subject to receiving alerts from the publisher and there may be formatting or punctuation changes applied to the html version that do not affect the text. Document type: guidance. First published: 20 September 2024.
Subjects
- Planning and development
- Planning control, England
- Planning control
- Strategic planning
Publisher History
The Planning Inspectorate processes planning and enforcement appeals and holding examinations into regional spatial strategies and local development plans.