WILDLIFE Citation 1 These Regulations may be cited as the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (Amendment) Regulations 2007. Commencement 2 1 Subject to paragraph (2), these Regulations come into force on 21st August 2007. 2 Paragraph (21) of regulation 5 comes into force on 21st November 2007. Extent 3 1 Except as provided for in this regulation, these Regulations extend to England and Wales only. 2 Regulations 1, 2 and 4 and this regulation also extend to Scotland so far as necessary. 3 In regulation 5, paragraphs (2)(a), (2)(d) (except in respect of the definitions “premises” and “sample”), (3) (in respect of the insertion of paragraph (2B) only), (6), (22), (23)(a), (c) and (d), (24)(b), (25) to (27), (29)(c) and (d), (30), (33) to (35), (37) to (39), (41), (42), (44), (45) and (61) also extend to Scotland. 4 Paragraphs (28), (29)(b), (32), (40), (47), (49) and (51) to (54) of regulation 5 extend to Scotland only. 5 Regulations 6 and 7 also extend to any place (except Scotland) to which the enactments they amend extend. Interpretation 4 In these Regulations, “ the 1994 Regulations ” means the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 . Amendments of the 1994 Regulations 5 1 The 1994 Regulations are amended as follows. 2 In regulation 2 (interpretation and application), in paragraph (1)— a before the definition of “agriculture Minister” insert the following definition— “ the 2007 Regulations ” means the Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 2007 ; ; b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . d in the appropriate places insert the following definitions— “ British fishery limits ” has the meaning given by the Fishery Limits Act 1976 ; ; ... ; “ European offshore marine site ” means a European offshore marine site within the meaning of regulation 15 (meaning of European offshore marine site) of the 2007 Regulations; ; “ the offshore marine area ” means— any part of the seabed and subsoil situated in any area designated under section 1(7) of the Continental Shelf Act 1964 ; and any part of the waters within British fishery limits (except the internal waters of, and the territorial sea adjacent to, the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man); ; “ offshore marine installation ” means any artificial island, installation or structure (other than a ship) which is situated— in any part of the waters in any area designated under section 1(7) of the Continental Shelf Act 1964; or in any part of the waters in any area designated under section 84(4) of the Energy Act 2004 ; ; ... ; ... ; and e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 After paragraph (2) of regulation 2 (interpretation and application) insert— 2A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2B Any reference to a numbered provision of these Regulations is— a in relation to England and Wales, to the provision of that number which has effect in England and Wales; and b in relation to Scotland, to the provision of that number which has effect in Scotland. . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 For regulation 4 (nature conservation bodies) substitute the following regulation— Nature Conservation bodies 4 1 Subject to paragraph (2), in these Regulations “ nature conservation body ” means Natural England, the Countryside Council for Wales or Scottish Natural Heritage; and references to “ the appropriate nature conservation body ”, in relation to England, Wales or Scotland shall be construed accordingly. 2 In Parts IV and IVA of these Regulations, “nature conservation body” also includes the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, and references to “ the appropriate nature conservation body ” in relation to a European offshore marine site shall be construed as meaning the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. . 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 In regulation 47 (application of provisions of this Part)— a in paragraph (1)(a), after “European sites” insert “ in Great Britain and European offshore marine sites ” ; b in paragraph (2)(b), after “European site” insert “ in Great Britain or European offshore marine site ” ; and c after paragraph (2), add— 3 Nothing in these Regulations requires an appropriate assessment of any plan or project to be carried out on or in any part of the waters or on or in any part of the seabed or subsoil comprising the offshore marine area, or on or in relation to an offshore marine installation. . 23 In regulation 48 (assessment of implications for European site)— a in paragraph (1)(a), after “Great Britain” insert “ or a European offshore marine site ” ; b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . c in paragraph (5), after “European site” insert “ or European offshore marine site (as the case may be) ” ; d for paragraph (7), substitute— 7 This regulation does not apply in relation to a site which is— a a European site by reason of regulation 10(1)(c); or b a European offshore marine site by reason of regulation 15(c) of the 2007 Regulations. ; and e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 In regulation 49 (considerations of overriding public interest)— a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b in paragraph (5) for “a European site” substitute “ the site concerned ” . 25 In regulation 50 (review of existing decisions and consents, &c), in paragraph (1), after “European site” insert “ or a European offshore marine site ” . 26 In regulation 52 (co-ordination where more than one competent authority involved), in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph (3), after “European site” insert “ or a European offshore marine site ” . 27 In regulation 53 (compensatory measures), in paragraph (a), after “European site” insert “ or European offshore marine site ” . 28 In regulation 53A (control of operations requiring consent)— a in paragraph (1) for “European site” substitute “ European sites in Great Britain and European offshore marine sites ” ; and b in paragraph (2), after “European site” insert “ or European offshore marine site ” . 29 In regulation 54 (grant of planning permission)— a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b in paragraph (2) for “European site” substitute “ European sites in Great Britain and European offshore marine sites ” ; c in paragraph (3), after “European site” insert “ or European offshore marine site ” ; and d in paragraph (4), after “European site” insert “ or European offshore marine site ” . 30 In regulation 56(3) (planning permission: consideration on review), after “European site” insert “ or European offshore marine site ” . 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 In regulation 58(6) (effect of orders made on review: Scotland), after “European site” insert “or European offshore marine site” . 33 In regulation 60 (general development orders), in paragraph (1)(a), after “Great Britain” insert “ or a European offshore marine site ” . 34 In regulation 62 (general development orders: approval of local planning authority), in paragraph (6)— a after “In any other case” insert “ in which the application has been sent to the appropriate nature conservation body, ” ; and b after “European site” insert “ or European offshore marine site ” . 35 In regulation 64 (special development orders)— a in paragraph (2), for “this regulation” substitute “ paragraph (1) ” ; and b after paragraph (2) insert the following paragraph— 3 A special development order made on or after 21st August 2007 may not grant planning permission for development which is likely to have a significant effect on a European offshore marine site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects). . 36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 After regulation 65 (simplified planning zones) insert the following regulation— Simplified planning zones and European offshore marine sites 65A The adoption or approval of a simplified planning zone scheme on or after 21st August 2007 shall not have effect to grant planning permission for development which is likely to have a significant effect on a European offshore marine site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects). . 38 After regulation 66 (enterprise zones) insert the following regulation— Enterprise zones and European offshore marine sites 66A An order designating an enterprise zone, or the approval of a modified scheme, if made or given on or after 21st August 2007, shall not have effect to grant planning permission for development which is likely to have a significant effect on a European offshore marine site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects). . 39 In regulation 69 (construction or improvement of highways or roads)— a in paragraph (1) for “European site” substitute “ European sites in Great Britain and European offshore marine sites ” ; and b in paragraph (2) after “European site” insert “ or European offshore marine site ” . 40 In regulation 69A(1) (core and other paths) for “European site” substitute “ European sites in Great Britain and European offshore marine sites ” . 41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 In regulation 83 (authorisations under Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990)— a omit paragraphs (1) and (2); b in paragraph (3), for “such authorisation as is mentioned in paragraph (1)” substitute “ authorisation under Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 ” ; and c in paragraph (5) omit “agreeing to a plan or project, or”. 45 In regulation 84 (licences under Part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990)— a in paragraph (1)— i for “European site” substitute “ European sites in Great Britain and European offshore marine sites ” , ii at the end of sub-paragraph (a) add “, and”, iii at the end of sub-paragraph (b) omit “, and”, and iv omit sub-paragraph (c); b in paragraph (2) after “European site” insert “ or European offshore marine site ” ; and c in paragraph (4) after “European site” insert “ or European offshore marine site ” . 46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 In regulation 84A (permits under the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000) as it has effect in Scotland— a in paragraph (1), for “European site” substitute “ European sites in Great Britain and European offshore marine sites ” ; b in paragraph (2), after “European site” insert “ or European offshore marine site ” ; and c in paragraph (4), after “European site” insert “ or European offshore marine site ” . 48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 In regulation 84B (abstraction and works authorised under water legislation) as it has effect in Scotland— a in paragraph (2), after “European site” insert “ or European offshore marine site ” ; and b in paragraph (4), after “European site” insert “ or European offshore marine site ” . 50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 In regulation 85B (assessment of implications for European site) as it has effect in Scotland— a in paragraph (1)(a), after “Great Britain” insert “ or a European offshore marine site ” ; b in paragraph (4), after “European site” insert “ or the European offshore marine site (as the case may be) ” ; and c for paragraph (6) substitute— 6 This regulation does not apply in relation to a site which is— a a European site by reason of regulation 10(1)(c); or b a European offshore marine site by reason of regulation 15(c) of the 2007 Regulations. . 52 In regulation 85C (considerations of overriding public interest) as it has effect in Scotland— a in paragraph (1), after “European site” insert “ or the European offshore marine site (as the case may be) ” ; and b in paragraph (5), for “a European site” substitute “ the site concerned ” . 53 In regulation 85D (co-ordination for land use plan prepared by more than one planning authority) as it has effect in Scotland, in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph (3), after “European site”, insert “ or a European offshore marine site ” . 54 In regulation 85E as it has effect in Scotland, after “European site” insert “ or a European offshore marine site ” . 55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 After regulation 108 (service of notices) add the following regulations— Advisory role of the JNCC 109 1 The Joint Nature Conservation Committee may provide advice or make representations to any competent authority in relation to— a any question as to whether that authority is obliged to carry out an appropriate assessment in relation to a European offshore marine site under these Regulations; b any appropriate assessment on which that authority is obliged to consult the Committee under these Regulations; c any application made pursuant to regulation 62 of these Regulations and sent to the Committee by that authority pursuant to regulation 62(4); and d any decision of the Secretary of State in respect of which notice has been served on it by him under regulation 72(2)(b), 76(2)(b) or 80(2)(b) of these Regulations. 2 The Joint Nature Conservation Committee may undertake, commission or support (whether by financial means or otherwise) such research and scientific work as it considers is required for the purposes of providing advice or making representations under this regulation. 3 In this regulation and regulation 110 of these Regulations, “ research ” includes inquiries and investigations. Advisory role of Natural England, the Countryside Council for Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage 110 1 Natural England may— a provide advice and assistance, or make representations, to any competent authority on any matter which relates to England and is connected with the discharge of the competent authority's functions under these Regulations; and b undertake, commission or support (whether by financial means or otherwise) such research and scientific work as it considers is required for the purposes of providing advice or assistance or making representations under sub-paragraph (a). 2 The Countryside Council for Wales may— a provide advice and assistance, or make representations, to any competent authority on any matter which relates to Wales and is connected with the discharge of the competent authority's functions under these Regulations; and b undertake, commission or support (whether by financial means or otherwise) such research and scientific work as it considers is required for the purposes of providing advice or assistance or making representations under sub-paragraph (a). 3 Scottish Natural Heritage may— a provide advice and assistance, or make representations, to any competent authority on any matter which relates to Scotland and is connected with the discharge of the competent authority's functions under these Regulations; and b undertake, commission or support (whether by financial means or otherwise) such research and scientific work as it considers is required for the purposes of providing advice or assistance or making representations under sub-paragraph (a). . 62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amendment of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 6 In section 10 (power to grant licences) of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 — a after subsection (4) insert the following subsection— 4A A licence under this section does not authorise the use of any method of killing or taking seals which is inconsistent with regulation 41 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 or any other enactment for the time being in force for the purpose of giving effect to Article 15 of the Habitats Directive (as read subject to any derogation permitted by Article 16 of that Directive). ; and b after subsection (5) add the following subsection— 6 In subsection (4A), the Habitats Directive means the Directive of the Council of the European Communities dated 21st May 1992 (No. 92/43/EEC ) on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna. . Amendment of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 7 1 The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is amended as follows. 2 In section 1 (protection of wild birds, their nests and eggs)— a in subsection (3A)— i in paragraph (c), for the words “Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds” substitute “ the Wild Birds Directive ” , and ii in paragraph (d), for the words “the Council Directive referred to in paragraph (c)” substitute “ the Wild Birds Directive ” ; and b in subsection (6A), for the words “the Directive of the Council of the European Communities dated 2nd April 1979 (No 1979/409/EEC ) on the conservation of wild birds” substitute “ the Wild Birds Directive ” . 3 In section 6 (sale etc of live or dead wild birds, eggs etc), in subsection (5A), for the words “the Directive of the Council of the European Communities dated 2nd April 1979 (No 1979/409/EEC ) on the conservation of wild birds” substitute “ the Wild Birds Directive ” . 4 In section 9 (protection of certain wild animals), for subsection (4) substitute the following subsection— 4 Subject to the provisions of this Part, a person is guilty of an offence if intentionally or recklessly— a he damages or destroys any structure or place which any wild animal specified in Schedule 5 uses for shelter or protection; b he disturbs any such animal while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for shelter or protection; or c he obstructs access to any structure or place which any such animal uses for shelter or protection. . 5 In section 16 (power to grant licences), in subsection (9A), for the words “the Directive of the Council of the European Communities dated 2nd April 1979 (No 1979/409/EEC ) on the conservation of wild birds” substitute “ the Wild Birds Directive ” . 6 In section 27 (interpretation of Part I), before the definition of “wild plant” insert the following definition— “ the Wild Birds Directive ” means Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds ; . 7 In Schedule 5 (animals which are protected)— a after each of “Butterfly, Large Blue”, “Cat, Wild”, “Dormouse”, “Lizard, Sand”, “Otter, Common”, “Snake, Smooth”, “Sturgeon”, and “Toad, Natterjack”, insert “ (in respect of section 9(4)(b) and (c) and (5) only) ” ; b after “Bats, Horseshoe (all species” insert “ but in respect of section 9(4)(b) and (c) and (5) only ” ; c after “Bats, Typical (all species” insert “ but in respect of section 9(4)(b) and (c) and (5) only ” ; d for “Newt, Great Crested (otherwise known as Warty newt)” substitute “ Newt, Great Crested or Warty (in respect of section 9(4)(b) and (c) and (5) only) ” ;. e omit “Turtles, Marine (all species)” and “Dermochelyidae and Cheloniidae”; f after “Whales (all species” insert “ but in respect of section 9(4A) and (5) only ” ; g omit any entries relating to dolphins or porpoises; and h add at the appropriate place the following entries— “Dolphins (all species but in respect of section 9(4A) and (5) only) Cetacea” “Porpoises (all species but in respect of section 9(5) only) Cetacea” “Turtle, Flatback Natator depressus” “Turtle, Green Sea (in respect of section 9(4)(b) and (c) and (5) only) Chelonia mydas” “Turtle, Hawksbill (in respect of section 9(4)(b) and (c) and (5) only) Eretmochelys imbricata” “Turtle, Kemp's Ridley Sea (in respect of section 9(4)(b) and (c) and (5) only) Lepidochelys kempii” “Turtle, Leatherback Sea (in respect of section 9(4)(b) and (c) and (5) only) Dermochelys coriacea” “Turtle, Loggerhead Sea (in respect of section 9(4)(b) and (c) and (5) only) Caretta caretta” “Turtle, Olive Ridley Lepidochelys olivacea”. 8 In Schedule 8 (plants which are protected)— a after “Dock, Shore” insert “ (in respect of section 13(2) only) ” ; b after “Fern, Killarney” insert “ (in respect of section 13(2) only) ” ; c after “Gentian, Early” insert “ (in respect of section 13(2) only) ” ; d after “Lady's-slipper” insert “ (in respect of section 13(2) only) ” ; e after “Marshwort, Creeping” insert “ (in respect of section 13(2) only) ” ; f after “Naiad, Slender” insert “ (in respect of section 13(2) only) ” ; g after “Orchid, Fen” insert “ (in respect of section 13(2) only) ” ; h after “Plantain, Floating Water” insert “ (in respect of section 13(2) only) ” ; and i after “Saxifrage, Marsh” insert “ (in respect of section 13(2) only) ” . Amendment of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 8 Omit sub-paragraph (a) of paragraph 5 of Schedule 12 to the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 . Transitional provisions 9 1 In relation to any offence alleged to have been committed under regulation 39(2)(a) of the 1994 Regulations before 21st November 2007, it shall be a defence for any person to show— a that an application for a licence under regulation 44 of the 1994 Regulations had been made by him (or on his behalf) to the appropriate authority before that date to authorise the possession or control of the animal, part of an animal or other thing in question; b that the application had not been refused by the appropriate authority to whom the application had been made; and c that— i the animal in question, or the animal from which the part or the thing in question is derived, had not been taken or killed, or had been lawfully taken or killed, before 21st August 2007; or ii the animal, part of an animal or other thing in question had been lawfully sold (whether to him or to any other person) before 21st August 2007. 2 In relation to any offence alleged to have been committed under regulation 43(2)(a) of the 1994 Regulations before 21st November 2007, it shall be a defence for any person to show— a that an application for a licence under regulation 44 of the 1994 Regulations had been made by him (or on his behalf) to the appropriate authority before that date to authorise the possession or control of the plant, part of a plant or other thing in question; and b that the application had not been refused by the appropriate authority to whom the application had been made; and c that the plant, part of a plant or other thing in question had been lawfully sold (whether to him or to any other person) before 21st August 2007. 3 In this regulation— “ appropriate authority ” means— where the offence is alleged to have been committed in England, the Secretary of State or Natural England; or where the offence is alleged to have been committed in Wales, the Welsh Ministers or the Countryside Council for Wales; and “ lawfully ” means without any contravention of the 1994 Regulations or Part 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Barry Gardiner Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs