Member

Clause 89 relates to Ramsar sites—wetlands of international importance designated under the convention on wetlands. To date, in England, these sites have been given the protection of the habitats regulations assessment process, through the policy as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework and in government guidance rather than through legislation. We propose placing protections for Ramsar sites on a legislative footing, with Clause 89 providing for Ramsar sites to be treated in the same way as European sites under the habitat regulations assessment process.