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Appropriate Assessments /
Habitat Regulations Assessment

 

Recently, BCM Environmental Services Limited has completed a series of Appropriate Assessments for Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, (see Updates).

 

BCMESL is well-versed in terms of the requirements of Directive 92/43/EEC (the Habitats Directive) on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora that any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a designated habitats site, (i.e., a SPA or SAC), but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, is to be subject to an Appropriate Assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives.

 

For example, on one of his more recent pipeline projects the potential need for an appropriate assessment in relation to potential effects of pipeline construction adjacent to Blawhorn Moss SSSI and SAC was alleviated by re-routing the pipeline and using specialist construction techniques. Similarly, much of the work recently undertaken as part of the work for Sefton Council / Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service, (see Sefton WeBS-based Low-tide Surveys and Ornithological and Environmental Management Guidance and Advice), is aimed at providing a sound basis for future appropriate assessments on this highly designated stretch of coastline.

 

As is mentioned in the preceding section, (see Ecological and Environmental Advice and Guidance), BCMESL completed a detailed report which will be used as the basis for the appropriate assessment which may be required in relation to the Longriggend / Upperton housing development. This development is c. 1 km outside the boundaries of the Slamannan Plateau SPA, which is designated for its wintering Bean Goose population, and as such SNH required to be satisfied that there would be no adverse effect on the qualifying interest of the SPA, i.e., the Bean Geese.