Sites of community importance
Contents |
[edit] Overview
A site becomes a site of community importance when it has been submitted and adopted by the European Commission as a special area of conservation (SAC), but not yet designated by the government of the member state.
[edit] Background
A site of community importance supports natural habitats and species of community interest that are listed in the Annexes of the Habitats Directive. The habitats and species are vulnerable, rare and endangered.
The sites are part of the European network and therefore the provisions of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (the “Habitats Regulations”) apply to them. Article 4.4 of the Habitats Regulations states:
“Member States shall designate sites of Community importance as a special area of conservation as soon as possible and within six years at most, establishing priorities in the light of the importance of the sites for the maintenance or restoration, at a favourable conservation status, of a natural habitat type in Annex I or a species in Annex II and for the coherence of Natura 2000, and in the light of the threats of degradation or destruction to which those sites are exposed”.
Within six years of a site being identified as a site of community importance, it should be should designated as special area of conservation with a priority being given to the more important sites, or those facing threats.
[edit] UK sites of community importance summary
In 2014, there were a total of 33 sites of community importance within the UK, with the break down as follows:
- England: 10.
- England/Offshore: 2.
- Northern Ireland: 3.
- Scotland: 1.
- Scotland/Offshore: 2.
- UK Offshore Waters: 15.
Further information on the sites of community importance in the UK is available from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee website.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- Designated sites.
- Forests.
- National nature reserves.
- National parks.
- Natura 2000 network.
- Natural England.
- Protected species.
- Ramsar sites.
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
- Special Area of Conservation.
- Special Nature Conservation Order SNCO.
- Special Protection Areas.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable characters of Gothic architecture designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.