Searches User Guide: Planning constraints

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Sites providing statutory protection for the best examples of UK flora, fauna, geological or physiographical features. Originally notified under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, SSSIs were re-notified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Improved provisions for the protection and management of SSSIs were introduced by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (in England and Wales) and (in Scotland) by the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 and the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2010.

Internationally important wetland sites (Ramsar sites)

Ramsar sites are designated under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, agreed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. They cover all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use, recognising wetlands as ecosystems that are extremely important for biodiversity conservation in general and for the well-being of human communities. These sites cover a broad definition of wetland; marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, and even some marine areas.

Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)

Areas which have been identified as best representing the range and variety within the European Union of habitats and (non-bird) species listed on Annexes I and II to the Directive. SACs are designated under the EC Habitats Directive.

Special Protection Areas (SPA) (for birds)

Sites classified by the UK Government under the EC Birds Directive, SPAs are areas of the most important habitat for rare (listed on Annex I to the Directive) and migratory birds within the European Union.

National Nature Reserves (NNR)

Sites containing examples of some of the most important natural and semi-natural terrestrial and coastal ecosystems in Great Britain. They are managed to conserve their habitats, provide special opportunities for scientific study or to provide public recreation compatible with natural heritage interests.

Local Nature Reserves (LNR)

Sites managed for nature conservation, and to provide opportunities for research and education, or simply enjoying and having contact with nature. They are declared by local authorities under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 after consultation with the relevant statutory nature conservation agency.

Designated Ancient Woodland

Ancient woodlands are classified as areas which have been wooded continuously since at least 1600 AD. This includes semi-natural woodland and plantations on ancient woodland sites. ‘Wooded continuously’ does not mean there is or has previously been continuous tree cover across the whole site, and not all trees within the woodland have to be old.

Green Belt

Areas designated to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open.

World Heritage Sites

Sites designated for their globally important cultural or natural interest requiring appropriate management and protection measures. World Heritage Sites are designated to meet the UK’s commitments under the World Heritage Convention.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are conservation areas, chosen because they represent 18% of the finest countryside in England and Wales. Each AONB has been designated for special attention because of the quality of their flora, fauna, historical and cultural associations, and/or scenic views. The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949 created AONBs and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 added further regulation and protection. There are likely to be restrictions to some developments within these areas.

National Parks

In England and Wales, the purpose of National Parks is to conserve and enhance landscapes within the countryside whilst promoting public enjoyment of them and having regard for the social and economic well-being of those living within them. In Scotland National Parks have the additional purpose of promoting the sustainable use of the natural resources of the area and the sustainable social and economic development of its communities. The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 established the National Park designation in England and Wales, and The National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 in Scotland.

Listed Buildings

Buildings listed for their special architectural or historical interest. Building control in the form of ‘Listed Building Consent’ is required in order to make any changes to that building which might affect its special interest. Listed Buildings are graded to indicate their relative importance, however building controls apply to all buildings equally, irrespective of their grade, and apply to the interior and exterior of the building in its entirety, together with any curtilage structures.

Certificates of Immunity from Listing

Certificates of immunity (COI) guarantee that a building or buildings will not be listed and that a building preservation notice will not be served for the next five years. They are designed to give reassurance to owners or developers that are proposing works to buildings that could be eligible for listing, that their proposals will not be hindered.

Conservation Areas

Local planning authorities are obliged to designate as Conservation Areas any parts of their own area that are of special architectural or historic interest, the character and appearance of which is desirable to preserve or enhance. Designation of a Conservation Area gives broader protection than the listing of individual buildings. All the features within the area, listed or otherwise, are recognised as part of its character. Conservation Area designation is the means of recognising the importance of all factors and of ensuring that planning decisions address the quality of the landscape in its broadest sense.

Scheduled Ancient Monuments

A Scheduled Monument is a historic building or site that is included in the Schedule of Monuments kept by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The regime is set out in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The Schedule of Monuments has c.20,000 entries and includes sites such as Roman remains, burial mounds, castles, bridges, earthworks, the remains of deserted villages and industrial sites. Monuments are not graded, but all are, by definition, considered to be of national importance.

Registered Parks & Gardens

Parks and Gardens assessed to be of particular interest and of special historic interest. The emphasis being on ‘designed’ landscapes, rather than on planting or botanical importance. Registration is a ‘material consideration’ in the planning process, meaning that planning authorities must consider the impact of any proposed development on the special character of the landscape.