The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994

[F1[F2Considerations of overriding public interestE+W+S

85C.—(1) If the plan making authority is satisfied that, there being no alternative solutions, the land use plan must be given effect for imperative reasons of overriding public interest (which subject to paragraph (2), may be of a social or economic nature), it may give effect to the land use plan notwithstanding a negative assessment of the implications for the European site [F3or the European offshore marine site (as the case may be)].

(2) Where the site concerned hosts a priority natural habitat type or a priority species, the reasons referred to in paragraph (1) must be either—

(a)reasons relating to human health, public safety or beneficial consequences of primary importance to the environment; or

(b)any other reasons of overriding public interest provided the competent authority has had regard to the opinion of the [F4Scottish Ministers] in satisfying themselves that there are such reasons.

(3) Where a plan-making authority, other than the Scottish Ministers, desires to obtain the opinion of the [F5Scottish Ministers] as to whether reasons are to be considered imperative reasons of overriding public interest, it shall submit a written request to the Scottish Ministers—

(a)identifying the matter on which an opinion is sought; and

(b)accompanied by any documents or information which may be required.

[F6(4) In giving their opinion as to whether the reasons are imperative reasons of overriding public interest, the Scottish Ministers must have regard to the national interest, and provide their opinion to the plan-making authority.]

[F7(4A) Before giving their opinion as to whether the reasons are imperative reasons of overriding public interest, the Scottish Ministers must consult the following, and have regard to their opinion—

(a)the Joint Nature Conservation Committee;

(b)the Secretary of State;

(c)the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland;

(d)the Welsh Ministers; and

(e)any other person the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate.]

(5) Where a plan-making authority other than the Scottish Ministers proposes to give effect to a land use plan under this regulation notwithstanding a negative assessment of the implications for [F8the site concerned], it shall notify the Scottish Ministers.

(6) Having notified the Scottish Ministers under paragraph (5), the authority in question shall not give effect to the land use plan before the end of the period of 21 days beginning with the day notified to it by the Scottish Ministers as that on which the notification was received by them, unless the Scottish Ministers notify the authority that it may do so.

(7) Without prejudice to any other power, the Scottish Ministers may give directions to the plan making authority prohibiting it from giving effect to the land use plan, either indefinitely or during such period as may be specified in the direction.]]