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Hydro Resource Evaluation Tool
environmental implications
Will your proposal affect a designated area?
- Is the site located in a designated area?
- Does it flow out of or into a designated site?
- Is it an ecological designation?
- Was it designated for its freshwater?
- Is it local, regional or national designation?
Land can be identified or designated for special management to protect its environmental quality for several reasons including ecology, geology, geomorphology and archaeology. The designation status of a stretch of water, the land on either side of it, or the area through which it flows, feeds or is sourced can place stringent constraints on development. In Britain, designations are independent of each other with no formal hierarchical structure and sites can be covered by several forms covering similar or different characteristics. It is important that the current status of a site is known, along with the reasons for designation, any management plans and its sensitivity to modification. Planning authorities also will assess the potential for new designation and new designations are not uncommon, so a static look up table or fixed map is insufficient to define the current status, so links on the following pages take you to the relevant designating authority.
With the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) coming into force the environmental constraints are becoming even more important. The goal is that by 2015 all inland water must reach at least a good status and environmental objectives and ecological targets are set for surface waters. This is done through the development of river basin management plans
The Government supports the MAGIC website which allows sites to be selected using post codes, grid references and a range of other characteristics. It is possible to define a range of designations and other characteristics presented as a map showing the locations relative to a property.
Depending on location, designations have differing importance and they need not be show stoppers, but it is important that the relevant officials are contacted early in the planning process. The officials may be the same for different designations or may be different individuals in the same organisation as they are now managed by a small group of government agencies. It is best to contact the officer with responsibility for the individual designation, although advice from general administrators can be useful.
The table below lists the common designations that are usually relevant to hydro developments. The specific objectives of environmental designation are aimed towards conservation rather than preservation and so most will give qualified support to development so long as it does not compromise the value or characteristics of the site.
Designation |
Authority |
Other Information |
|---|---|---|
National Park |
Natural England, (Lake District National Park Authority) |
Only one National Park lies in NW England. |
National Nature Reserve (NNR) |
Natural England |
There are 31 NNR in NW England and they can be found at http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/ |
Local Nature Reserve (LNR) |
Natural England |
There are 136 LNR in NW England and they can be found at http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/ |
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) |
Natural England |
There are 445 SSSI in NW England and they can be found at http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/ |
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) |
Natural England (site management committees) |
There are 4 AONB in NW England, namely Arnside & Silverdale, Forest of Bowland, North Pennines and the Solway Coast. The primary purpose of the AONB is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape and are involved with practical countryside management. |
Special Area of Conservation (SAC) |
Joint Nature Conservation Committee |
SACs are strictly protected under the EC Habitats Directive. There are 39 sites in or overlapping NW England, predominantly in Cumbria (31 sites). Information can be found at http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-23 |
Special Protection Area (SPA) |
Joint Nature Conservation Committee |
SACs are strictly protected under the EC Birds Directive. There are 14 sites in or overlapping NW England. |
The table is not exhaustive, local naturalists trusts (e.g. Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Cheshire Wildlife Trust) all manage reserves.
Action: Check MAGIC website first.
