HL Deb 16 January 1986 vol 469 c1268WA
Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will state their policy towards the protection of the natural environment and the maintenance of the SSSI series notified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981–85; and whether they will state under what circumstances a development could be permitted;

  1. (a) on an SSSI;
  2. (b) on an SSSI which the Nature Conservancy Council has identified as being of sufficient importance to merit listing under either the Ramsar Convention or EC Birds Directive (79/409 EEC);
  3. (c) on an SSSI which qualifies under both the EC Birds Directive and the Ramsar Convention.

Lord Elton

The network of sites of special scientific interest being established is protected under the terms of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1985. The Nature Conservancy Council (NCC) must be consulted by planning authorities about proposed developments in sites notified under the Act. This ensures that in reaching decisions planning authorities are fully aware of nature conservation interests, including the NCC's views on the significance of sites under the EC Birds Directive and the Ramsar Convention. These can be considered together with all other aspects of the individual case.