Appropriate Assessment and the Thames Basin Heath SPA

What is Appropriate Assessment?

Appropriate Assessment is a process which looks at the approach to development and whether it could have a significant impact upon internationally important wildlife sites.

When is an Appropriate Assessment necessary?

Any application that proposes residential development of one or more dwellings will need an Appropriate Assessment under The Conservation - Natural Habitats and C - Regulations 1994. This also includes  applications for reserved matters and the renewal of full and outline planning permissions.

Please note that applications are now considered as being within the Thames Basin Heath mitigation zone if it is within a linear distance of 5km from the SPA. The 5.2km car journey distance previously used is no longer valid.   

Where do I find more advice on undertaking an Appropriate Assessment?

For more advice as to how to undertake an 'Appropriate Assessment', see the document attached below from English Nature (now Natural England).