Member

I appreciate that the parallel systems of the habitats regulations and the Wildlife and Countryside Act can appear opaque, and I appreciate the noble Lord’s intention in tabling this proposed new clause. However, in practice, this complexity is managed through integrated processes that are well understood by practitioners. All terrestrial sites protected under the habitats regulations are underpinned by SSSIs, which also have protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. When its advice is sought, Natural England considers the protections under both pieces of legislation and provides a single response. A limited number of species are protected under both statutes. As with sites, Natural England would consider protection under both together. It can and does issue licences that cover both pieces of legislation if necessary. Moreover, as a primary legal rather than ecological exercise, the JNCC would not be the organisation best suited to undertake this review.