Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)·Page 252·11.31
Natural Heritage Impact Assessment - Permitting Criteria
Development proposals that could adversely affect habitats, species, or natural heritage features may only be permitted where the benefits clearly outweigh their conservation value. Short-term economic interests are insufficient to justify loss of long-term conservation value, and certain priority habitats like ancient woodland cannot be compensated for.
A development proposal which could adversely affect a habitat, species or feature of natural heritage importance may only be permitted where the benefits of the proposed development clearly outweigh their value. These benefits should be of such importance and of a long-term interest sufficient to override the value of the site. Short-term economic interests will not be considered sufficient to outweigh the long term conservation value of such sites. It should also be noted that the loss of certain priority habitats cannot be compensated against, for example, ancient and long-established woodland.
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