Habitats Regulations Projects

Lyme Regis Coastal Stabilisation
Client: East Dorset District Council
EPR has been involved over a number of years in the stabilisation of the cliffs and town frontage at Lyme Regis, providing East Dorset District Council with ecological advice. This has involved extensive ecological survey of the cliffs most of which are designated as part of the Sidmouth to West Bay SAC. As the vegetation communities for which the SAC is designated require inherently unstable conditions, and the stabilisation project is in direct conflict with this, the Ecological Impact Assessment and mitigation design has required an innovative approach, and extensive consultation with Natural England regarding the Appropriate Assessment.

Habitats Regulations Advice/Training
Client: Environment Agency
EPR has provided training to Environment Agency staff with respect to the application of the Habitats Regulations covering, in particular, the interaction of the EA's statutory duties for fisheries, flood protection, and river management, with the requirements of the Regulations.

EPR has also provided the Environment Agency with advice regarding their water resources Appropriate Assessments for Solent European Marine Site, and regarding the review of discharge consents into the River Itchen SAC specifically relating to effects on Salmon and suitable compensation measures.

Portsmouth City Local Plan
Client: Portsmouth City Council
EPR provided advice to the City Council regarding the assessment of effects of the City Local Plan on Portsmouth Harbour SPA and on nature conservation issues, specifically relating to European interests within the Harbour and the application of the Habitats Regulations. The advice was backed by high quality and extensive winter bird survey data undertaken by EPR throughout Portsmouth Harbour.