South Pennine Moors SPD
The South Pennine Moors SPD seeks to provide further guidance on how criterion 7 of Policy JP-G5 of the PfE will be implemented. Criterion 7 seeks to ensure new development does not have an adverse impact on the protected habitats and species on the South Pennine Moors SAC and Special Protection Areas (SPAs).
The SPD is applicable to the local authority areas of Oldham (not including the area covered by the Peak District National Park), Rochdale and Tameside. Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside are the “responsible bodies” regarding SEA and “competent authorities” regarding HRA for the purposes of the SPD document.
The SPD relates to the:
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South Pennine Moors SAC;
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Peak District Moors SPA; and
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South Pennine Moors Phase 2 SPA.
The SAC and SPAs are European designated habitat sites which overlap each other. When referring to all three designations together, they are collectively referred to as the South Pennine Moors SAC/SPAs.
A screening, based on Schedule 1 of the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004, has been undertaken by the responsible authorities (i.e. Oldham Council, Rochdale Council and Tameside Council) for this SPD. As set out in the document, the screening concludes that it is not likely that the SPD will have any significant environmental impacts and therefore a SA/SEA is not required for the SPD.
Similarly, an initial screening determination has been made, in respect of the need for Habitat Regulations Assessment(s) (HRA). As set out in the document, it has been determined that no “appropriate assessment” is required to be made under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended), in relation to the SPD.
South Pennine Moors Supplementary Planning Document Initial SEA Determination Statement (PDF, 147KB)
In accordance with the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 three statutory bodies (The Environment Agency, Historic England and Natural England) have been asked if they agree with the outcome of these screenings.
It is currently anticipated that public consultation will take place in the autumn in relation to this supplementary planning document.