Planning permission will only be granted for a development proposal that is not likely to have an adverse effect on the integrity, including the value of the site to the habitat network, or special interest of:
- an Area of Special Scientific Interest;
- a Nature Reserve;
- a National Nature Reserve; or
- a Marine Conservation Zone.
A development proposal which could adversely affect a site of national importance may only be permitted where the associated public benefits of the proposed development clearly outweigh the value of the site.
In such cases, appropriate mitigation and/or compensatory measures will be required.