Written question WQ85155
- Asked by
- Samuel KurtzConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Climate Change
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
Will the Minister confirm whether the Welsh Government's policy to develop offshore renewables in special areas of conservation considers the impact that this will have on ecosystems in these designated areas?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Climate Change
Our commitment to develop offshore renewable energy does take into consideration the impacts upon special areas of conservation in Wales. All developments will be subject to the Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) process where interaction with a designated site is involved.
Under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (and offshore equivalent) Competent Authorities (decision-makers) must assess the potential significant effects of proposed plans and projects on all Marine Protected Areas prior to granting consents. Where adverse effects on site integrity cannot be ruled out, the Competent Authority must set out compensatory measures to mitigate any impact to protected features or species.