Saturday 3 September 2011

Wildlife law changes advice from Landvision Statutory Instrument 2010/490 - the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations, 2010 in April 2011

The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994,were replaced by Statutory Instrument 2010/490 - the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations, 2010 in April 2011...so what do we advise you about this?

The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994, replaced by Statutory Instrument 2010/490 - the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations, 2010 in April 2011, have been recently drawn up to protect our wildlife. They now add to the EU Habitats Directive in England and Wales and incorporate all the changes since the old 1994 Regulations, including;

  • Major changes to European Protected Species (EPS) licences and licensing

  • Many changes to marine conservation laws.

  • So, seek advice from Landvision, reputable and scientifically qualified ecological consultants and do have all recommended surveys completed before you start work on site.

So, what exactly is the bill proposing?

Changes to laws on poaching and game and on deer management and shooting. Also, changes on non-native species and snaring with amendments to the law on protected species and SSSIs, (Sites of Special Scientific Interest.)” Different parties will vary on how they react to the degrees of protection for wildlife and the way these affect the countryside and the people in it.

So, will localism help?

At present, planners make informed decisions on a case by case basis; if this process is “streamlined” there is a danger that the baby will be thrown out with the proverbial bath water.

Professor Colin Reid, of the School of Law at the University of Dundee, said about the 2011 amendments ; “this is an important Bill for many people involved in land management and conservation. Proposals for a Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill include far-reaching changes for deer management and shooting, snaring, game and poaching laws, licensing for protected species and sites of special scientific interest.”

The environment, which has been a cornerstone of planning law for more than 60 years, will really only truly be able to continue to be protected if development is concentrated in brown field sites and is spread fairly so each town shares development and it is not just in a few major towns and cities. Only in this way, will large, soul less developments not be required and new development will still be contained at a human scale. So, let's bring back the heart to communities, by leaving the heart in planning and by understanding why the environment needs protection.

You can read the latest wildlife bills on line;

  • In the meantime; ask for advice from a reputable and scientifically qualified ecological consultant and have all recommended surveys completed before you start work on site.

  • Tel Charmaine or Ian at Landvision on (01892) 782200 or visit www.landvision.co.uk

  • http://www.landvision.co.uk/ecology.html

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