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Strategic Policy on Natural Heritage and Climate Action
6.173NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The following strategic policy must be taken into account in the preparation of local development plans (LDPs) and in the determination of planning applications.
natural-heritageclimate-changesite-planningPrecautionary Principle for Landscape and Natural Heritage
6.174NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Planning authorities should apply the precautionary principle when considering the impacts of a proposed development on national or international significant landscape or natural heritage resources.
natural-heritagelandscapesite-planningInternational Designations - General Restriction
6.175NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Development proposals are restricted where they are likely to impact upon the integrity of European or Ramsar sites as these are afforded the highest form of statutory protection. Such designations sh
natural-heritagesite-planninginternational-designationPermission Criteria for European and Ramsar Sites
6.176NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Planning permission will only be granted for a development proposal that, either individually or in combination with existing and/or proposed plans or projects, is not likely to have a significant eff
natural-heritagesite-planninginternational-designationAppropriate Assessment Requirements
6.177NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Where a development proposal is likely to have a significant effect (either alone or in combination) or reasonable scientific doubt remains, the planning authority is required by law to carry out an a
natural-heritagesite-planninginternational-designationExceptional Circumstances for Adversely Affecting European or Ramsar Sites
6.178NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
A development proposal which could adversely affect the integrity of a European or Ramsar site may only be permitted in exceptional circumstances as laid down in the relevant statutory provisions.
natural-heritagesite-planninginternational-designationLandscape and Natural Heritage Considerations
6.198NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Planning authorities should ensure that the potential effects on landscape and natural heritage, including the cumulative effect of development are considered. With careful planning and design the pot
site-planningconservationnatural-heritage