Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)
A process that seeks to protect the integrity of Internationally Designated Sites
The purpose of Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) of strategic plans such as the Gloucestershire Minerals & Waste Development Framework, Local Transport Plan and Surface Water Management Plans is to make sure the plans do not harm internationally designated sites.
HRA also applies to other plans and projects such as some planning applications. The requirement for HRA of plans or projects derives from Article 6(3) and (4) of the European Communities (1992) Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora ("Habitats Directive"). These requirements have been transposed into national law by the 'Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations' which is often referred to as the 'Habitats Regulations'.
'International Sites' consist of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) as well as the globally important wetlands known as Ramsar sites. The network of International Sites are of exceptional importance in respect of rare, endangered or vulnerable natural habitats and species within Europe and beyond.
International sites in and within 15km of Gloucestershire
- Rodborough Common SAC - (Stroud)
- Dixton Wood SAC - (Tewkesbury)
- Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat Sites SAC - (Forest of Dean, Monmouthshire)
- River Wye SAC - (Forest of Dean, Monmouthshire, Herefordshire, Powys)
- Wye Valley Woodlands SAC - (Forest of Dean, Monmouthshire, Herefordshire)
- North Meadow and Clattinger Farm SAC - (Wiltshire)
- Cotswold Beechwoods SAC - (Cotswold)
- Bredon Hill SAC - (Worcestershire)
- Walmore Common SPA - (Tewkesbury)
- Severn Estuary SPA - (Stroud, Forest of Dean)
Links to plans where HRAs are relevant:
Minerals Local Plan for Gloucestershire