Special Nature Conservation Order SNCO
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
In England and Wales, Special Nature Conservation Orders (SNCOs) are made to prevent damage to the natural features and species associated with specific areas of land. The Orders detail prohibited operations, including possible actions taken by the landowner. In Scotland, these measures are referred to as Nature Conservation Orders (NCOs).
[edit] Where SNCOs apply
An NCO may apply in or around designated areas, including:
- Sites of Community Importance (SCIs). These are sites that have 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. Within six years of a site being identified as a site of community importance, it should be designated as a Special Area of Conservation with a priority being given to the more important sites, or those facing threats.
- Special Areas of Conservation (SACs): Internationally important areas defined by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as 'Areas given special protection under the European Union’s Habitats Directive, which is transposed into UK law by the Habitats and Conservation of Species Regulations 2010.’
- Candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs): Sites that have been submitted to the European Commission, but not yet formally adopted.
- Special Protection Areas (SPAs): Areas which have been identified as being of international importance for the breeding, feeding, wintering or the migration of rare and vulnerable species of birds found within European Union countries. These are European designated sites, classified under the Birds Directive.
[edit] Complying with SNCOs
Natural England or Natural Resources Wales provide oversight in situations where an SNCO has been put in place. These bodies can issue stop notices to prevent activity that could possibly violate the terms of the SNCO.
Individuals who object to the restrictions put in place by an SNCO can try to remove the stop notice by:
- Objecting to the SNCO within the first six weeks with the High Court (if the activity does not have a negative impact on the environment). Should the High Court Minister make the objection the subject of further inquiry, a planning inspectorate will be assigned to the task and will report back whatever findings are discovered. The Minister will then issue a decision.
- Requesting written consent from Natural England or Natural Resources Wales for the activity if there is a way to minimise the possibility of damage or if there is ‘overriding public interest’ in the activity. Overriding public interest would mean public interest in the matter (predominantly based on human health, public safety or other socio-economic reasons) that would be considered more beneficial than the environmental consequences. If consent is refused, it is possible to override this by bringing the case to the Minister, who will evaluate the circumstances and issue a decision.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
IHBC NewsBlog
BRE/BEIS project to modernise home energy rating scheme
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has announced a new project with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to improve and modernise the home energy rating scheme used to measure the energy and environmental performance of UK homes.
Interdisciplinary IHBC accreditation recognised by CSCS for PQP Cards
Sector lead the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has recognised the IHBC’s professional accreditation and support (CPD etc.) in awarding its PQP (Professionally Qualified Person) cards.
IHBC Heritage Marketplace provides learning-led virtual engagement
The IHBC’s 2022 Aberdeen School Heritage MarketPlace (4.30-7.30PM, 15 June) is designed to extend the scope of a traditional IHBC School exhibition floor.
Unearthing the history of Gloucester’s 'the Fleece' Hotel starts
Work to repair a fire-hit medieval hotel in Gloucester is underway as crews have started work to strip back some of the modern trappings and reveal the historic framework.
Booking Open for IHBC Annual School: Aberdeen, 16-18 June 2022
Options for in-person and virtual delegates to explore ‘heritage on the edge’ across up to 4 days of IHBC engagement & learning.
European Heritage Heads Forum statement on Ukraine
The Secretariat to the European Heritage Heads Forum has has coordinated its declaration of solidarity and support for Ukraine’s cultural heritage institutions.
Welcome to #IHBC25 – 25 years since we turned professional
2022 will see the IHBC mark a quarter of a century since our incorporation as a professional body supporting and accrediting built and historic environment conservation specialists. We’re kick-starting it by inviting your ideas on how to mark this special year!
IHBC launches new Guidance Note on ‘Design sources for historic building conservation'
The IHBC’s latest Guidance Note adds to the institute’s open-access, online practitioner’s Toolbox.
England’s communities empowered to shape design of neighbourhoods
Twenty-five areas in England from Bournemouth to Carlisle have been awarded a share of £3 million to help them set their own standards for design locally. "move from a vicious circle of generic development to a virtuous circle of regenerative development".
IHBC at COP26 - Conserving our Places Conserves our Planet - Podcast
The IHBC seeks to raise awareness and understanding of how building conservation philosophy and practice contributes towards meeting the challenge of climate change.