Habitats Regulations Assessment
Our evidence at the landmark ‘Dilly Lane’ case in 2008, upheld in the High Court, established our industry-leading position on the application of the Habitat Regulations
We are industry-leading experts on the application of the Habitats Regulations and have unrivalled experience of preparing information for Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs), both for developers at the project level and local authorities at the plan level.
Our in-depth knowledge of the legal, procedural and technical aspects of HRA means you will get the highest quality advice through every stage of the process. We are also experienced in effective consultation with key parties such as Natural England and Local Planning Authorities.
We have successfully defended our work at many Public Inquiries, including the landmark ‘Dilly Lane’ case in 2008, upheld in the High Court, which established the approach to avoiding impacts on the Thames Basin Heaths.
Our extensive experience in this area gives you the best possible chance of achieving your development aspirations.
Potential effects that we commonly assess are summarised below.
“We regularly work with EPR, who always demonstrate up to date knowledge and intelligence on ecological matters. They are particularly strong on Biodiversity Net Gain, and their approach to HRA matters – and provide excellent written reports. In addition, they have a strength with Examinations and Public Inquiries. And on top of that, they are great to work with!”
Charlie Collins, Head of South East Planning, Savills
Recreational Pressure
Our work assessing the effect of increased recreational pressure on international sites has informed numerous planning allocations and consents, as well as the evolution of the general approach to mitigating effects.
Our team can help you with:
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The design of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG)
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The creation of bespoke, evidence-based access management and recreational mitigation strategies
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Visitor questionnaire and residents’ surveys
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Bird disturbance studies
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Conflict mapping and analysis
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Consultation with Natural England, local authorities, and other key stakeholders
Our in-house Natural Greenspace Team also create SANG by delivering infrastructure like paths and fencing, as well as creating and restoring habitats.
Air Quality
Our air quality specialists are at the forefront of emerging practice in assessing how changes in air quality affect international sites. We have:
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Worked with Natural England, the JNCC and local authorities to develop strategic decision-making tools and evidence-based mitigation strategies.
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Collaborated with numerous air quality modelling specialists to develop sophisticated processes for analysing the spatial extent of impacts.
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Developed bespoke mitigation solutions.
We will assist you by applying this extensive expertise to your HRA.
Nutrient Neutrality
EPR has developed considerable expertise in assessing the effects of nutrient pollution on rivers and coastal sites, and in developing strategic approaches to mitigation, including in Poole Harbour and most recently the New Forest.
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We undertake nutrient budget calculations for individual development projects and wider strategic land-use plans.
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We advise on appropriate and robust mitigation measures to meet the requirements of the Habitats Regulations.
EPR has extensive experience and the level of expertise necessary to advise on pragmatic and workable solutions to these complex issues.
