Habitats Regulations Assessment for the Wylfa Newydd: Supplementary Planning Guidance
Screening Report Habitats Regulations Assessment – Screening Report
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Contents
1 Introduction 3
1.1 Purpose of the Report 3 1.2 Context 3 1.3 Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Wylfa Newydd SPG 6 1.4 Report Structure 8
2 Approach 9
2.1 Overview 9 2.2 Guidance 10 2.3 Assessing the Draft Wylfa Wylfa Newydd SPG 11 2.4 Baseline Data Collection 13
3 Baseline 14
3.1 European Sites 14
4 Review of Draft Wylfa Newydd SPG 26
4.1 Likely Outcomes and Effects of the Wylfa Newydd SPG 26 4.2 Initial ‘Screening’ of Draft Wylfa Newydd SPG 28 4.3 In Combination Effects 54
5 Conclusions and Next Steps 73
5.1 Assessment Conclusions 73 5.2 Next Steps 73
Appendix A European Sites and Associated Protected Areas 74
Appendix B European Sites and Interest Features 76
Appendix C Interest Feature Abbreviations 81
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1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose of the Report
1.1.1 The New Nuclear Build at Wylfa: Supplementary Planning Guidance (Wylfa NNB SPG) was adopted by the County Council in July 2014. Since its adoption, there have been a number of important changes that have prompted a need to revise the adopted SPG.
1.1.2 As a result of these changes, the County Council determined that the adopted Wylfa NNB SPG should be revised in order to ensure that it continues to provide a sound basis for guiding decisions on the Wylfa Newydd Project. The County Council therefore consulted on its revised guidance, the Wylfa Newydd: Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) which was then formally adopted on the 15th of May, 2018.
1.1.3 In accordance with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (the ‘Habitats Regulations’), the revised SPG was subject to Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA). This report summarises the assessment of the draft SPG against the conservation objectives of any European sites that may be affected, and provides an overview of the iterative HRA process that has been undertaken to support the SPG’s development and ensure that it meets the requirements of Regulation 63 of the Habitats Regulations.
1.1.4 This report was issued alongside Wylfa Newydd SPG for public consultation.
1.2 Context
New Nuclear Build at Wylfa 1.2.1 A site beside the existing operational Magnox nuclear power plant on the Wylfa Peninsula (which totals 300 hectares) has been identified by the UK Government in the National Policy Statement (NPS) for Nuclear Power Generation – EN-6 as a possible site for a new nuclear power station. Horizon Nuclear Power have developed plans to deliver at two UK Advanced Boiling Water Reactors (ABWRs), generating 2,700 MW at Wylfa.
1.2.2 Construction of the new nuclear power station is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) under the Planning Act 2008. Legislation provides that projects like the Newydd at Wylfa are of such potential importance to the UK that a different consenting process to the “normal” grant of planning permission by the local planning authority applies. Under this process, Horizon proposes to submit an application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the power station to the
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Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The application will be made through the Planning Inspectorate who, following examination, will recommend to the Secretary of State whether development consent should be granted or not. The final decision on whether to grant or refuse development consent rests with the Secretary of State.
Figure 1.1 Location of the Wylfa Newydd main site
1.2.3 Although the County Council is not the consenting authority for the NSIP, it will seek to ensure that development has regard to the strategic policies and principles of the Development Plan (the Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan (JLDP) adopted on 31st July 2017), the relevant NPSs, national (Wales) planning policy and guidance and supplementary planning guidance.
1.2.4 The Wales Act 2017 has had important implications for the process by which the Wylfa Newydd project promoter could seek consent for the range of associated development to support the construction and operation of Wylfa Newydd. The Act enables associated development for Welsh energy Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) with a generating capacity of more than 350MW (like
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Wylfa Newydd) to be determined by the relevant Secretary of State as part of a Development Consent Order (DCO) application. Previously, associated development was not covered by the Planning Act 2008 in Wales and would therefore have been determined by the County Council (unless ‘called-in’ by Welsh Ministers). However, Horizon and any other third parties promoting projects related to Wylfa Newydd (for example, enabling works in advance of the approval of a DCO and proposals by other parties to help meet the needs related to Wylfa Newydd) will require consent through the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).
1.2.5 The project promoter has revised the likely associated / related development required as part of the Wylfa Newydd Project during three stages of formal Pre- Application Consultation (in 2014, 2016 and 2017) relating to the proposals as well an informal ‘Project Update’ consultation in January 2016. Horizon’s third Stage Pre- Application Consultation (PAC 3), consulted on between May and July 2017, set out a number of proposals which included:
On-site campus providing temporary workers’ accommodation (Site Campus) for up to 4,000 workers;
A temporary Park and Ride facility at Dalar Hir for construction workers;
A temporary Logistics Centre at Parc Cybi;
A5025 off-line highway improvements; and
An electrical connection to the National Grid substation.
New Nuclear Build at Wylfa Supplementary Planning Guidance 1.2.6 Supplementary planning guidance is a means of setting out detailed thematic or site specific guidance on the way in which development plan policies will be applied in particular circumstances or areas. The purpose of the Wylfa Newydd SPG is to provide supplementary advice on important local direct or indirect matters and to set out the County Council’s interpretation of national and local policy in the context of the Wylfa Newydd project.
1.2.7 More specifically, the SPG is intended to:
Inform the position which will be adopted by the County Council in its Local Impact Report1 and relevant sections of the Statement of Common Ground2;
1 As part of the Planning Act 2008 process, the County Council will be invited to submit a Local Impact Report giving details of the likely impact of the proposed Wylfa Newydd Project on Anglesey. Further information on the preparation of local impact reports is available via the Planning Inspectorate’s website: http://infrastructure.planningportal.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Advice-note-1v2.pdf.
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Provide a planning framework (alongside the Development Plan and other planning policy guidance) that helps guide the applicant(s) and influences the design and development of the Wylfa Newydd Project elements to ensure sustainable outcomes, with a focus on associated development and related development;
Inform pre-application discussions related to the main site and associated developments and related development;
Offer supplementary local level guidance, consistent with the relevant NPSs, which the Planning Inspectorate and the Secretary of State may consider both important and relevant to the decision-making process; and
Form a material consideration in the assessment of any Wylfa Newydd Project related Town and Country planning applications submitted by Horizon or other development promoters and businesses who may have, or wish to pursue, an interest in the project.
1.2.8 The Wylfa Newydd SPG is the subject of this HRA and comprises the following core elements:
The County Council’s vision and associated objectives for the Wylfa Newydd project and SPG;
Project-wide guidance related to the main potential impacts associated with the project and which is designed to help ensure that associated development is sustainably located, taking account of the existing and emerging evidence base and national and local planning policy; and
locational guidance with respect to development at the main Wylfa Newydd Project site and areas of search to help direct associated developments.
1.3 Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Wylfa Newydd SPG
Overview 1.3.1 Regulation 63 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (the ‘Habitats Regulations’) states that if a plan or project “(a) is likely to have a significant effect on a European site3 or a European offshore marine site (either alone or in
2 A statement of common ground is a written statement prepared jointly by the applicant and another party or parties such as the County Council, setting out any matters on which they agree. Statements of common ground help focus on the examination of the material differences between the main parties. 3 Strictly, ‘European sites’ are: any Special Area of Conservation (SAC) from the point at which the European Commission and the UK Government agree the site as a ‘Site of Community Importance’ (SCI); any classified Special Protection Area (SPA); any candidate SAC (cSAC); and (exceptionally) any other site or area that the
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combination with other plans or projects); and (b) is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site” then the competent authority must “…make an appropriate assessment of the implications for the site in view of that site’s conservation objectives” before deciding to undertake the plan or project; or giving consent, permission or other authorisation. The process by which Regulation 63 is met is known as Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)4. SPG fall under Regulation 63 (rather than Regulation 105) as they are not ‘land-use plans’ according to the definition provided by Regulation 111(1)5.
1.3.2 An HRA determines whether there will be any ‘likely significant effects’ (LSE) on any European site as a result of a plan’s implementation (either on its own or ‘in combination’ with other plans or projects) and, if so, whether these effects will result in any adverse effects on the site’s integrity.
Requirement for HRA of the Wylfa Newydd SPG 1.3.3 It is important to recognise the following points:
The Wylfa Newydd SPG is not planning policy; it is supporting guidance for the interpretation of existing national and local planning policy;
The Wylfa Newydd SPG is not (therefore) proposing any new development or allocating sites; it is intended to guide development to the most sustainable locations in accordance with adopted planning policy, mitigate adverse effects arising from Wylfa Newydd related development and enhance positive effects;
The Wylfa Newydd SPG does not deal with the principle of the development of a nuclear power station at Wylfa itself – this has already been established (and assessed) at the national level.
1.3.4 Although SPG fall under Regulation 63, the approach to HRA of these documents varies. Often, SPG are ‘screened out’ of assessment (particularly if the parent plans have been subject to HRA) on the basis that the SPG cannot introduce new policy or
Commission believes should be considered as a SAC but which has not been identified by the Government. However, the term is also commonly used when referring to potential SPAs (pSPAs), to which the provisions of Article 4(4) of Directive 2009/147/EC (the ‘new wild birds directive’) apply; and to possible SACs (pSACs) and listed Ramsar Sites, to which the provisions of the Habitats Regulations are applied as a matter of Welsh Government policy (see Technical Advice Note 5: Nature Conservation and Planning (2009) para. 5.1.3)) when considering development proposals that may affect them. “European site” is therefore used in this report in its broadest sense, as an umbrella term for all of the above designated sites. Additional information on European site designations is provided in Appendix A. 4 The term ‘Appropriate Assessment’ has been historically used to describe the process of assessment; however, the process is now more accurately termed ‘Habitats Regulations Assessment’ (HRA), with the term ‘Appropriate Assessment’ limited to the specific stage within the process; see also Box 1. 5 The Habitats Regulations have the same assessment requirements for ‘land-use plans’, set out by Regulation 105.
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allocations and so cannot be a ‘source’ of any potential effects: it simply reflects the policies and allocations set out in other plans. NPS EN-6, which establishes the principle of development of a new nuclear power station at Wylfa, was subject to HRA. The Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan (JLDP), adopted on 31st July 2017, was also subject to assessment. The HRA review of the Wylfa NNB SPG adopted in 2014 considered that the SPG would have no likely significant effects on any European sites. However, taking into account the scale and nature of development to which the Wylfa Newydd SPG relates, it is considered appropriate to apply the principles of HRA to the revised draft SPG to ensure that the protection of European sites is appropriately addressed.
1.4 Report Structure
1.4.1 The remainder of this report is structured as follows:
Section 2: Approach - Provides an overview of the methodology that has been adopted in the HRA of the Wylfa Newydd SPG;
Section 3: Baseline - Presents baseline information with regard to the characteristics of those European sites that could potentially be affected by the Wylfa Newydd SPG;
Section 4: Review of the Draft Wylfa Newydd SPG - summarises the results of the assessment of the Wylfa Newydd SPG; and
Section 5: Conclusions and Next Steps - Highlights the key conclusions of the assessment of the Wylfa Newydd SPG and sets out the next steps in the preparation of the document.
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2 Approach
2.1 Overview
2.1.1 The current European Commission guidance6 suggests a four-stage process for HRA, although not all stages will be necessarily required (see Box 1).
Box 1 Stages of Habitats Regulations Assessment
Stage 1 – Screening: This stage identifies the likely impacts upon a European site of a project or plan, either alone or ‘in combination’ with other projects or plans, and considers whether these impacts are likely to be significant. Stage 2 – Appropriate Assessment: Where there are likely significant impacts, this stage considers the impacts of the plan or project on the integrity of the relevant European sites, either alone or ‘in combination’ with other projects or plans, with respect to the sites’ structure and function and their conservation objectives. Where there are HABITATS adverse impacts, it also includes an assessment of the potential REGULATIONS mitigation for those impacts. ASSESSMENT Stage 3 – Assessment of Alternative Solutions: (HRA) Where adverse impacts are predicted, this stage examines alternative ways of achieving the objectives of the project or plan that avoid adverse impacts on the integrity of European sites. Stage 4 – Assessment Where No Alternative Solutions Exist and Where Adverse Impacts Remain: This stage assesses compensatory measures where it is deemed that the project or plan should proceed for imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI). The EC guidance does not deal with the assessment of IROPI.
2.1.2 Regulation 63 of the Habitats Regulations essentially provides a test that the final plan (in this case, the SPG) must pass; there is no statutory requirement for HRA to be undertaken on draft plans or similar developmental stages. However, it is accepted best-practice for the HRA of planning documents to be run as an iterative process
6 Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC (EC 2002).
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alongside their development. The emerging policies, guidance or options are therefore continually assessed for their possible effects on European sites and modified or abandoned (as necessary). This is to ensure that the subsequently adopted plan is not likely to result in significant or adverse effects on any European sites, either alone or ‘in combination’ with other plans. Consultation should be undertaken with Natural Resources Wales and other appropriate consultees. It is therefore important to recognise that the strategic HRA is as much about guiding the development of the plan (and demonstrating that this has been done) as it is about (ultimately) assessing its effects.
2.1.3 This is the approach that has been used in completing this HRA supporting study, with the principles of ‘screening’ applied to the emerging 36 project-wide and locational ‘guiding principles’ (GPs) contained in the draft SPG in order to direct and shape the GPs and hence the SPG so that significant effects are avoided. This process also identifies those areas where the evidence base is lacking or where further study is required to confirm that there will be no significant or adverse effects.
2.2 Guidance
2.2.1 In undertaking the assessment, account has been taken of the following guidance:
Tyldesley D (2012). Draft Guidance for Plan Making Authorities in Wales: The Appraisal of Plans Under the Habitats Directive. David Tyldesley and Associates, for the Countryside Council for Wales;
Welsh Government (2009). Technical Advice Note 5 (Annexe VI). Welsh Assembly Government, Cardiff;
Department for Communities and Local Government (2006). Planning for the Protection of European Sites: Appropriate Assessment. Guidance for Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Documents. Department for Communities and Local Government, HMSO, London;
English Nature (1997-2001). Habitats Regulations Guidance Notes 1-9, Natural England, Peterborough;
European Commission (2002). Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. European Commission, Brussels;
European Commission (2001). Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites. European Commission, Brussels;
European Communities (2007). Managing Natura 2000 sites: The provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/433/EEC. European Commission, Brussels.
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2.3 Assessing the Wylfa Wylfa Newydd SPG
2.3.1 The Wylfa Newydd SPG does not propose any specific development or allocate sites nor does it directly determine or influence the overall quantum of development associated with the Wylfa Newydd Project. As a result, significant effects are more likely to occur due to an absence of suitable controls or direction, rather than as a direct result of a course of action promoted by the SPG. However, it does provide guidance which will influence the scale, type and location of associated development, and also sets out guidance on the criteria that will be employed to help mitigate potential effects.
2.3.2 The HRA must be completed for the final SPG; there is no statutory requirement for the phases of the SPG development to undergo HRA themselves although it is best practice for the HRA to be run as an iterative process alongside plan development. For the purposes of HRA, it is considered that the draft SPG has two main aspects that require assessment:
GPs 1 – 26: project-wide guidance related to the main potential impacts associated with the Wylfa Newydd Project and which is designed to help ensure that associated development is sustainably located, taking account of the existing evidence base and national and local planning policy. In most cases, this guidance does not have a spatial element; and
GPs 27 – 36: locational guidance – based around North Anglesey and the Rest of Anglesey – which guides consideration of development proposals at the main Wylfa Newydd site and identifies areas of search to help direct related developments. This guidance has a spatial element.
Assessment of Project-Wide Guidance 2.3.3 There are certain ‘types’ of policy or guidance which cannot have a significant effect on any European site simply because they do not provide a mechanism by which such an effect could occur. Accordingly, those GPs contained in the draft Wylfa Newydd SPG with the following characteristics are generally unlikely to result in significant effects:
Non-development guidance: guidance that will not lead to development as they relate to design or other qualitative criteria for development;
Unknown location development issues/ options: that make provision for a specific type of development but the location of the development is yet to be selected are unlikely to have significant effects, unless the type/ quantum of development provided for in the guidance cannot be accommodated without potentially affecting a European site. This is because making provision for a type/ quantum of development at this strategic level will not itself have any effect on a European site, and it should not be assumed that developments will
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be sited such that they will have a likely significant effect (LSE) on European sites since normal development controls (and the requirements for site- or project- level HRA) would prevent or mitigate this;
Protective guidance: guidance that specifically steer development away from European sites and associated sensitive areas e.g. excluding development from certain areas;
Biodiversity guidance: guidance that specifically protects the natural environment;
Enhancement guidance: guidance that specifically enhances the natural, built or historic environment where proposed measures are not likely to result in adverse effects upon European sites.
2.3.4 The GPs were reviewed for potential effects on European sites, taking account of any incorporated measures, with suggestions made as appropriate for additions that would strengthen the guidance or ensure that significant effects would be avoided (see Table 4.4). GPs with ‘no effect’ can arguably be excluded from any ‘within plan’ in- combination assessment; GPs with ‘no significant effect’ need to be considered for possible effects in combination with other GPs.
Assessment of Locational Guidance 2.3.5 One of the purposes of the Wylfa Newydd SPG is to identify broad areas of search for Wylfa Newdd-related development. These are only roughly defined and no allocations or similar are made. It should be noted that the absolute quantum of development (for example, the volume of construction worker accommodation to be provided) across the Island is not considered in detail. However, the guidance applied to the areas of search is considered within the HRA of the draft SPG to ensure that Wylfa Newydd-related development is appropriately sited with respect to European sites and their interest features and has regard to the policies in the adopted Joint Local Development Plan (JLDP).
Addressing Uncertainty 2.3.6 Usually with strategy-level HRAs uncertainty is addressed by including caveats and avoidance measures/mitigation within policy documents to help ensure that adverse effects will not occur, and this is the primary method by which uncertainty is addressed within this HRA. However, current guidance indicates that in some instances it is appropriate and acceptable for assessment to be undertaken ‘down- the-line’ at a lower tier in the planning hierarchy, if:
the higher tier plan appraisal cannot reasonably predict the effects on a European site in a meaningful way; whereas
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the lower tier plan, which will identify more precisely the nature, scale or location of development, and thus its potential effects, retains enough flexibility within the terms of the higher tier plan over the exact location, scale or nature of the proposal to enable an adverse effect on site integrity to be avoided; and
HRA of the plan at the lower tier is required as a matter of law or Government policy.
2.4 Baseline Data Collection
Spatial Scope 2.4.1 The geographic scope of the Wylfa Newydd SPG does not extend beyond Anglesey and any effects of the SPG’s implementation are unlikely to extend significantly (>5km) beyond the Island’s boundary, except possibly in combination with other plans (see below). As a precautionary approach, all European sites within 10km of Anglesey are included in the ‘screening’; identifying all sites within this wider area has important advantages due to the scope of the SPG and the nature of development to which it relates7.
In Combination Plans
2.4.2 The plans identified in the Sustainability Appraisal (SA) of the Wylfa NNB SPG adopted in 2014 has provided the basis for the assessment of ‘in combination’ effects. This list has been updated to take into publications post 2014 referenced in the revised draft Wylfa Newydd SPG.
Data Collection
2.4.3 Data on the interest features, sensitivities, vulnerabilities, condition assessments, conservation objectives and management plans for the European sites was obtained from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the Joint Nature Conservancy Council (JNCC). In combination plans were viewed online.
7 ‘Arbitrary’ buffers are not generally appropriate for HRA. However, as distance is a strong determinant of the scale and likelihood of most effects the considered use of a suitably precautionary search area as a starting point for the screening (based on a thorough understanding of both the scope of the Wylfa Newydd SPG and European Site interest features) has some important advantages. Using buffers allows the systematic identification of European Sites using GIS, so minimising the risk of sites or features being overlooked, and also ensures that sites where there are no reasonable impact pathways, can be quickly and transparently excluded from any further screening or assessment. It also has the significant advantage of providing a consistent point of reference for consultees following the assessment process, and the ‘screening’ can therefore focus on the assessment of effects, rather than on explaining why certain sites may or may not have been considered in relation to a particular option.
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3 Baseline
3.1 European Sites
Interest Features
3.1.1 The sites and interest features considered during the screening of the draft Wylfa Newydd SPG are summarised in Table 3.1, and detailed in Appendix B.
Table 3.1 European Sites and Interest Features within 15km of Anglesey (see also Appendix B)
Site Summary of Interest Features† Approx. Distance from Anglesey Afon Gwyrfai a Llyn Annexe I features: Water courses with Ranunculus- 3.4km Cwellyn SAC type vegetation*; Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters* Annexe II features: Floating water-plantain*; Atlantic salmon*; Otter Bae Cemlyn/ Cemlyn Annexe I features: Perennial vegetation of stony 0km Bay SAC banks; Coastal lagoons* Coedydd Aber SAC Annexe I features: Western acidic oak woodland*; 5.6km Alluvial forests Corsydd Môn/ Annexe I features: Wet heaths; Hard oligo- 0km Anglesey Fens SAC mesotrophic waters*; Alkaline fens*; Purple moor- grass meadows; Calcareous fens* Annexe II features: Marsh fritillary butterfly; Geyer`s whorl snail*; Southern Damselfly Eryri/ Snowdonia Annexe I features: Siliceous scree*; Calcareous rocky 6.1km SAC slopes*; Siliceous alpine and boreal grasslands*; Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters*; Hydrophilous tall herb communities*; Siliceous rocky slopes*; Depressions on peat substrates; Alkaline fens; Western acidic oak woodland; Alpine and Boreal heaths; Wet heaths; Alpine and subalpine calcareous grasslands; Dry heaths; Species-rich Nardus grassland; Petrifying springs with tufa; Alpine pioneer formations; Blanket bog Annexe II features: Slender green feather-moss*; Floating water-plantain*
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Site Summary of Interest Features† Approx. Distance from Anglesey Glannau Môn: Cors Annexe I features: Salicornia and other annuals*; 0km heli / Anglesey Atlantic Salt Meadows*; Mudflats and sandflats; Coast: Saltmarsh Estuaries SAC Glannau Ynys Gybi/ Annexe I features: Vegetated sea cliffs*; Dry heaths*; 0km Holy Island Coast Wet heaths SAC Glan-traeth SAC Annexe II features: Great crested newt* 0km Glynllifon SAC Annexe II features: Lesser Horseshoe Bat* 6.8km Llyn Dinam SAC Annexe I features: Natural eutrophic lakes* 0km Y Fenai a Bae Annexe I features: Mudflats and sandflats*; Large 0km Conwy/ Menai Strait shallow inlets and bays; Reefs*; Sandbanks*; Sea caves and Conwy Bay SAC Y Twyni o Annexe I features: Natural eutrophic lakes; Humid 0km Abermenai i dune slacks*; White dunes*; Dunes with creeping Aberffraw/ willow*; Embryonic shifting dunes*; Grey dunes* Abermenai to Annexe II features: Petalwort*; Shore dock* Aberffraw Dunes SAC Gogledd Môn Forol Annexe II features: Harbour porpoise* 0km / North Anglesey Marine cSAC Glannau Ynys Gybi / Article 4.1 qualification: Chough (B, W) 0km Holy Island Coast SPA Liverpool Bay / Bae Article 4.1 qualification: Red-throated diver (W); 0km Lerpwl SPA Common tern (B); Little tern (B); Article 4.2 qualification: Common scoter (W); Little gull (W); Waterfowl assemblage (W) Traeth Lafan / Lavan Article 4.2 qualification: Curlew (W-); Great crested <1km Sands, Conway Bay grebe (P-) ; Oystercatcher (W) SPA Morwenoliaid Ynys Article 4.1 qualification: Arctic tern (B); Common 0km Môn/ Anglesey tern (B); Roseate tern (B); Sandwich tern (B) Terns8
8 Site previously named Ynys Feurig, Cemlyn Bay and the Skerries.
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Site Summary of Interest Features† Approx. Distance from Anglesey Ynys Seiriol / Puffin Article 4.2 qualification: Cormorant (B) 0km Island SPA
Corsydd Môn a Llyn/ Criterion 1: A suite of base-rich, calcareous fens 0km Anglesey and Llyn which are a rare habitat type within the UK’s Fens Ramsar biogeographical zone. Habitats Directive Annex I features present. Criterion 3: Diverse flora and fauna with associated rare species and is of special value for maintaining the genetic and ecological diversity of the region.
Key † Interest feature names / criteria are abbreviated; see also Appendix C * Interest features (habitats or species) that are a primary reason for designation; all other habitats and species are qualifying features W Wintering species P Passage migrants B Breeding species - Species included on original SPA citation but proposed for removal following the SPA Review + Species not included on the original SPA citation but added following the SPA Review Annex I / II Habitats or species listed on Annex I or II (respectively) of Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (the ‘Habitats Directive’) Article 4.1 Bird species qualifying under Article 4.1 or 4.2 of Directive 2009/147/EC on the Conservation of Wild Birds / 4.2 (the ‘new Wild Birds Directive’) Criterion Ramsar criteria; there are nine criteria used as a basis for selecting Ramsar sites; see Appendix B 1, 2
Vulnerabilities and Mechanisms for Effects
3.1.2 Table 3.2 summarises:
the condition of the sites and interest features (where known, based on the condition assessment data provided in the NRW site management plans); and
those factors known to be currently affecting the sites and interest features and any additional sensitivities identified which may negatively affect the sites or interest features in the future.
3.1.3 The table also sets out the potential mechanisms by which the Wylfa Newydd SPG could affect the sites; these are discussed further in Section 4.
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Table 3.2 European Sites and Interest Features within 15km of Anglesey (see also Appendix B)
Site Condition Current Threats to Condition Potential Mechanisms for SPG Effects Afon Gwyrfai a Llyn Cwellyn SAC Floating water-plantain F Diffuse pollution This site is located on the mainland and therefore any effects will be indirect only. Atlantic salmon UnU Water quality (diffuse nutrient pollution and Potential mechanisms would include water sedimentation) quality impacts affecting Atlantic salmon Water courses with F Invasive species during their marine phase (unlikely to be Ranunculus-type vegetation significant); abstraction effects due to quantum of development; or visitor pressure Otter Un Insufficient breeding sites (unlikely to be significant). Specific direct Oligotrophic to mesotrophic UnR Water quality (acidification, sedimentation, effects are not identifiable and therefore the standing waters eutrophication); abstraction SPG should manage the risk of effects through guidance design. Bae Cemlyn/ Cemlyn Bay SAC Coastal lagoons F Water quality (diffuse nutrient pollution; salinity) The main Wylfa Newydd site will be close to this site and could have effects on salinity, Perennial vegetation of stony Un Visitor pressure (trampling) although the main Wylfa Newydd site is not banks allocated/ promoted by the SPG. Development near Cemlyn could increase visitor pressure and trampling.
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Site Condition Current Threats to Condition Potential Mechanisms for SPG Effects Coedydd Aber SAC Alluvial forests UnNC Management (grazing pressure) This site is located on the mainland and therefore any effects will be indirect only. Western acidic oak UnNC Management (grazing pressure) Potential mechanisms are probably limited to woodland the risk of visitor pressure only, but this is not currently identified as a threat and is unlikely to increase significantly as a result of the SPG. Corsydd Eifionydd SAC Slender green feather-moss UnD Management (under-grazing) This site is located on the mainland and therefore any effects will be indirect only. Marsh fritillary butterfly Management (grazing pressure) Potential mechanisms are probably limited to Transition mires and quaking UnD Management (under-grazing) the risk of visitor pressure only, but this is bogs not currently identified as a threat and is unlikely to increase significantly as a result of the SPG. Corsydd Môn/ Anglesey Fens SAC Wet heaths UnU Management (under-grazing) These fen habitats are located in the middle of the Island and so may be vulnerable to Marsh fritillary butterfly UnD Management (grazing, dereliction) hydrological effects (water quality / quantity) Geyer`s whorl snail UnD Management (under-grazing, dereliction) as a result of any developments supported or directed by the SPG. Visitor pressure may Calcareous fens UnD Management (drainage; inappropriate grazing); occur but is unlikely to be significant. diffuse nutrient pollution
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Site Condition Current Threats to Condition Potential Mechanisms for SPG Effects Hard oligo-mesotrophic UnD Nutrient enrichment (diffuse) waters Alkaline fens UnD Management (drainage; inappropriate grazing); diffuse nutrient pollution Southern Damselfly unD Management (under-grazing, dereliction) Purple moor-grass meadows UnD Management (under-grazing, dereliction, invasive species) Eryri/ Snowdonia SAC Siliceous scree UnNC Over-grazing; visitor pressure This site is located on the mainland and therefore any effects will be indirect only. Calcareous rocky slopes UnNC Management (over grazing) Potential mechanisms would include Siliceous alpine and boreal UnD Management (over grazing); air pollution; visitor abstraction effects due to quantum of grasslands pressure development (not likely as Welsh Water have accounted for the Wylfa development in their Oligotrophic to mesotrophic UnR Nutrient enrichment; abstraction (although largely WRMP and this SAC will not be affected); or standing waters resolved) visitor pressure (an issue for some units and Hydrophilous tall herb UnNC Management (over grazing) features of the SAC, but unlikely significantly communities increase as a result of the Wylfa Newydd Project). Slender green feather-moss F -
Siliceous rocky slopes UnU Uncertain – management, visitor pressure likely to be affecting Floating water-plantain UnU Precise locations of species unknown
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Site Condition Current Threats to Condition Potential Mechanisms for SPG Effects Species-rich Nardus UnNC Management (over grazing) grassland* Depressions on peat F Vulnerable to overgrazing / trampling substrates Petrifying springs with tufa* UnD Management (over grazing) Alkaline fens F Vulnerable to overgrazing / trampling Alpine pioneer formations* UnD Vulnerable to overgrazing / trampling Western acidic oak UnNC Management (over grazing); invasive species woodland Blanket bog* UnNC Management (over-grazing; historical drainage) Alpine and Boreal heaths UnNC Management (over grazing); visitor pressure Wet heaths UnNC Management (over grazing) Alpine and subalpine UnNC Management (over grazing) calcareous grasslands Dry heaths UnNC Management (grazing) Glannau Môn: Cors heli / Anglesey Coast: Saltmarsh SAC Salicornia and other annuals F - This SAC is downstream of some areas of search and so potentially exposed to Atlantic Salt Meadows UnNC Coastal squeeze hydrological impacts (although it is not Mudflats and sandflats Not known - particularly sensitive). Effects due to increased visitor pressure possible but Estuaries Not known - unlikely.
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Site Condition Current Threats to Condition Potential Mechanisms for SPG Effects Glannau Ynys Gybi/ Holy Island Coast SAC Vegetated sea cliffs UnNC Management (under-grazing) Located close to Holyhead and therefore development in / near / of Holyhead Port Dry heaths UnD Management (under-grazing) could affect the site; visitor pressure is the Wet heaths UnD Management (under-grazing) likeliest mechanism for this, although other indirect mechanisms could have a negative impact (e.g. airborne pollution). Glan-traeth SAC Great crested newt UnD Management Unlikely to be exposed unless development is within 500m Glynllifon SAC Lesser Horseshoe Bat UnNC Management (building maintenance); flightpaths On mainland; unlikely to be exposed to likely between units outcomes of SPG. Great Orme`s Head/ Pen y Gogarth SAC Calcareous dry grassland and UnU Management (under-grazing) This site is located on the mainland and scrub therefore any effects will be indirect only. Potential mechanisms are probably limited to Dry heaths UnU Management the risk of visitor pressure only, but this is Vegetated sea cliffs F Rock climbing unlikely to be significant.
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Site Condition Current Threats to Condition Potential Mechanisms for SPG Effects Llyn Dinam SAC Natural eutrophic lakes UnD Nutrient enrichment (diffuse sources) Potentially vulnerable to water quality impacts (point or diffuse). Y Fenai a Bae Conwy/ Menai Strait and Conwy Bay SAC Mudflats and sandflats - - This SAC is downstream of some areas of search and so potentially exposed to Large shallow inlets and bays - - hydrological impacts (although it is not Reefs - - particularly sensitive). Effects due to increased visitor pressure possible but Sandbanks - - unlikely. Sea caves - - Y Twyni o Abermenai i Aberffraw/ Abermenai to Aberffraw Dunes SAC Natural eutrophic lakes UnNC Nutrient enrichment (diffuse sources) This SAC is downstream of some areas of search and so potentially exposed to Humid dune slacks UnNC Management (grazing pressure); lowered water hydrological impacts (although it is not levels particularly sensitive to such effects). White dunes UnNC Afforestation; recreational access However, the site is a popular recreational area and effects due to increased visitor Petalwort UnD Possibly due to drying out; drainage associated pressure are possible. with afforestation Dunes with creeping willow UnNC Management (grazing pressure); lowered water levels Grey dunes UnNC Management (grazing pressure) Shore dock UnD Management; isolation from sea due to forest
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Site Condition Current Threats to Condition Potential Mechanisms for SPG Effects Embryonic shifting dunes UnNC Afforestation; trampling North Anglesey Marine / Gogledd Môn Forol cSAC Harbour porpoises Not known Water quality The main Wylfa Newydd an other Areas of Search north and west of the Island will be close to this site and could have effects on water quality are possible although considered unlikely. Glannau Ynys Gybi / Holy Island Coast SPA Chough UnD Management (under-grazing); disturbance Close to Holyhead; disturbance of nesting / feeding areas. Liverpool Bay / Bae Lerpwl SPA Common scoter Not known Disturbance; habitats loss; fishing; wind turbines; Development associated with the SPG will be contamination taking place on the Island and therefore there are few obvious mechanisms by which this Red-throated diver Not known Disturbance; habitats loss; fishing; wind turbines; site could be affected, other than indirectly contamination and weakly. Little gull Not known Disturbance; habitats loss; fishing; wind turbines; contamination Little tern Not known Disturbance; habitats loss; fishing; wind turbines; contamination
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Site Condition Current Threats to Condition Potential Mechanisms for SPG Effects Common tern Not known Disturbance; habitats loss; fishing; wind turbines; contamination Waterfowl assemblage Not known Disturbance; habitats loss; fishing; wind turbines; contamination Traeth Lafan / Lavan Sands, Conway Bay SPA Curlew Not known Disturbance (of roosts; by dogs; from cockle Site is on the mainland; unlikely to be fishing) exposed to the likely outcomes of the SPG. Great crested grebe Not known Disturbance (of roosts; by dogs; from cockle fishing) Oystercatcher F Disturbance (of roosts; by dogs; from cockle fishing) Morwenoliaid Ynys Môn/ Anglesey Terns SPA Arctic tern F Disturbance during breeding The Wylfa Newydd main site will be close to this site. Development near Cemlyn is likely Common tern F Disturbance during breeding to increase visitor pressure (from Roseate tern UnNC Availability of nesting locations; disturbance construction workers as well as tourists) and during breeding hence the risk of disturbance during the breeding period. Sandwich tern F Disturbance during breeding Ynys Seiriol / Puffin Island SPA Cormorant F Disturbance during breeding Site unlikely to be exposed to the likely outcomes of the SPG.
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Site Condition Current Threats to Condition Potential Mechanisms for SPG Effects Corsydd Môn a Llyn/ Anglesey and Llyn Fens Ramsar - As for Corsydd Môn / Anglesey Fens SAC As for Corsydd Môn / Anglesey Fens SAC
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4 Review of Wylfa Newydd SPG
4.1 Likely Outcomes and Effects of the Wylfa Newydd SPG
4.1.1 The Wylfa Newydd SPG does not propose any specific development or allocate specific sites, or directly determine or influence the overall quantum of development associated with the Wylfa Newydd project. As a result, significant effects are more likely to occur due to an absence of suitable controls or direction, rather than as a direct result of a course of action promoted by the SPG. However, it does provide guidance which will influence the scale, type and location of associated development in line with the Joint Local Development Plan (JLDP), and also sets out guidance on the criteria that will be employed to help mitigate potential effects.
4.1.2 Threats to European sites that may be associated with the SPG can broadly be categorised as ‘diffuse’ or ‘specific’. ‘Diffuse’ effects are those which are typically regional-scale effects resulting from the cumulative impact of development across the plan area; for example, impacts on a European site due to increased abstraction (as far as this can be linked to proposals in a plan) cannot generally be attributed to a single development, or even a group of developments, but occurs due to the overall quantum of development in an area. In contrast, ‘specific’ effects have a more clearly identifiable impact pathway; for example, directing housing development to an area that is adjacent to a site that is vulnerable to visitor pressure has a clear (and specifically attributable) risk of effects.
4.1.3 As a result, the SPG will need to avoid or prevent specific effects on particular European sites, as well as provide sufficient surety that ‘diffuse’ effects, over which it has less influence, can also be avoided through the inclusion of protective guidance.
4.1.4 Table 3.2 in Section 3 of this report summarises the factors currently impacting European sites on and near Anglesey, and the possible mechanisms by which individual sites could be affected by specific effects. Table 4.1 summarises the potential mechanisms by which the SPG could influence these threats, without the inclusion of suitable mitigation or avoidance measures within the document.
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Table 4.1 Main Threats to European Sites near Anglesey and Potential Effects of Wylfa Newydd SPG
Main Pressures / How the SPG could affect this Threats Site management Development supported by the SPG is unlikely to affect the management of any European sites. Visitor pressure The overall quantum of development is not determined by the SPG, although it does provide guidance on the broad location of development, which is likely to have an effect on the numbers of people visiting some sites recreationally. Disturbance Some aspects of disturbance are associated with visitor pressure, although all development could potentially affect disturbance-sensitive species during construction or operation / use if not suitably controlled. Generally, this effect will be strongly dependent on distance. Water quality (diffuse) The primary source of diffuse water pollution in most catchments across Anglesey will be agriculture, and the SPG will have little effect (or influence) on this aspect. However, some diffuse pollution may be associated with development (e.g. road run-off). Water quality (point Existing and new discharge (i.e. point-sources) are controlled by consents source) regimes that are themselves subject to HRA and are largely beyond the influence of the SPG. However, the SPG can obviously influence the scale, type and location of development and hence the broad location of future point-sources. It can also require that development is appropriately planned to ensure that any additional treatment capacity (etc) that is required is delivered in a timely manner. Water quantity Existing and new abstractions are controlled by consents regimes that are (abstraction) themselves subject to HRA and are largely beyond the influence of the SPG. In addition, the SPG does not determine the overall quantum of development within an area. Anglesey is within a single water resource zone (WRZ) known by Welsh Water as ‘North Eryri / Ynys Mon’, and it should be noted that Welsh Water has factored the anticipated water- resource demands of the Wylfa Newydd Project and the population growth of Anglesey into its Water Resources Management Plan (which has been subject to HRA); Welsh Water consider that the anticipated demands can be met with no significant abstraction effects on any European site, although the SPG can positively influence water use through advocating planning controls.
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Main Pressures / How the SPG could affect this Threats Water quantity Drainage management is generally a local or site-specific issue for some (drainage management) water-level sensitive sites which the SPG will have limited influence over, except through controls on new developments near water-level sensitive European sites. Air quality (diffuse) Diffuse airborne pollution is affecting some European sites, particularly through eutrophication. The SPG will not drive increases in diffuse airborne pollution but can help reduce its potential effect through appropriate location of development and, particularly, by ensuring that the use of significant sources of diffuse air pollution (notably, vehicles) are minimised by encouraging or requiring the use of less-polluting alternatives. Air quality (point Existing and new point-sources of airborne pollutants are generally source) controlled by consents regimes that are themselves subject to HRA and are largely beyond the influence of the SPG. In addition , the SPG does not determine the overall quantum of development. However, the SPG can obviously influence the scale, type and location of development and hence the broad location of future point-sources, and provide planning guidance in respect of these. Geomorphological The favourable condition of some sites, particularly coastal, marine or processes riparian sites, is usually dependent on the maintenance of natural (or near- natural) geomorphological processes. Development supported by a plan can influence these processes, although significant effects are not always identifiable prior to the development of a project. Invasive species The SPG is generally unlikely to influence the dispersal of invasive species to European sites and guidance that would have this as a potential outcome would be atypical. However, inappropriate development could provide pathways for the dispersal of some invasive species although generally this would be an issue that can only be considered in detail at the scheme-level.
4.2 Initial ‘Screening’ of Wylfa Newydd SPG
4.2.1 The Wylfa Newydd SPG was subject to an initial ‘screening’ of the guiding principles (GPs); this employed the methods of screening to identify those GPs which will clearly have no significant effect; those where effects are uncertain, and which would therefore benefit from modification; and those where modifications are unlikely to insure against significant effects and which would require appropriate assessment to determine more precisely the effects and appropriate mitigation.
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4.2.2 There are a number of policy/guidance types that can usually be ‘screened out’ since they will invariably have no effect or no significant effect. These are summarised in Table 4.2, and this approach was applied to the GPs. The remaining GPs were reviewed for potential effects on European sites, taking account of the incorporated measures, with suggestions made as appropriate for additions that would strengthen the guidance or ensure that significant effects would be avoided (Table 4.4). GPs with ‘no effect’ can arguably be excluded from any ‘within plan’ in combination assessment; GPs with ‘no significant effect’ need to be considered for possible effects in combination with other GPs.
Table 4.2 Policy ‘types’ that can usually be screened out
Broad Policy Type Notes General statements of The European Commission recognises* that plans or plan components policy that are general statements of policy or political aspirations cannot have significant effects. General design / guidance A general ‘criteria based’ policy or guidance expresses the tests or criteria expectations of the plan-making body when it comes to consider particular proposals, or relate to design or other qualitative criteria which do not themselves lead to development (e.g. controls on building design). Non-development policies Policies/guidance which themselves will not lead to development or other change (e.g. cultural policies). External plans / projects Plans or projects that are proposed by other plans and are referred to in the plan being assessed for completeness. Environmental protection Policies designed to protect the natural or built environment will not policies usually have significant or adverse effects (although these will often need to be strengthened if providing ‘overarching’ mitigation or safeguards). * EC, 2000, Managing Natura 2000 sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC April 2000 at 4.3.2
4.2.3 The colour coding used in the ‘screening’ tables (Table 4.4) is as follows:
Table 4.3 Colour Coding for Screening of GPs
GP will not or cannot significantly affect any European sites (although note that recommendations to strengthen GP may be made). GP requires mitigation to avoid significant effects (e.g. minor re-wording; cross-referencing to protective GP; lower tier assessment).
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Significant effects likely; GP should be abandoned or substantially re-worked to avoid need for appropriate assessment.
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Table 4.4 Initial Screening of Draft Wylfa Newydd SPG with Recommended Additions to Avoid Potential Effects or Strengthen the Guidance
Guiding Principle Linked Effects as Rationale Recommendations JLDP Drafted? Strategic Policy
GP 1: Supporting the PS9, PS13 No effect Will have no effect on any European site. None Anglesey Energy Island General statement of policy. Programme and Anglesey Enterprise Zone GP 2: Local Job Creation PS5, PS9, No effect Will have no effect on any European site. None and Skills Development PS13 Will not lead to development; requires the project promoter to promote and implement employment and skills strategy. GP 3: Employment, PS4, PS5, No significant Will have no effect on any European site. None Logistics and Transport PS9, PS11, effect The guidance is primarily a statement of policy Uses PS13, PS17 which will not lead to development; it includes criteria for any development that is promoted, including adherence to relevant national and local planning policies which themselves provide protection for European sites. The guidance also cross-references the locational guidance in Section 5 of the draft SPG which provides additional protective measures.
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GP 4: Supporting the Local PS5, PS9, No significant Will have no significant effect on any European None Supply Chain and Service PS13. PS17 effect site. Opportunities The guidance iterates the County Council’s support for businesses etc not directly connected with the Wylfa Newydd Project but which may benefit from it (e.g. local supply chain / service businesses), and indicates that new businesses or the expansion of existing ones will be encouraged where certain criteria are met. Environmental safeguarding is not noted as one of the criteria, and usefully could be (or cross-reference to other guiding principles), although development is required to be compatible with national and local planning policies (which include safeguarding policies for European sites), as well as the Section 5 guiding principles which include specific reference to the European sites within each area of search.
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Guiding Principle Linked Effects as Rationale Recommendations JLDP Drafted? Strategic Policy
GP 5: Tourism PS9, PS13, No significant The guidance primarily aims to ensure that the None PS14 effect Wylfa Newydd Project does not adversely affect the tourism potential of the Island; in this case, it is not directly supporting increases in tourism that might affect sites that are sensitive to visitor pressure. There are a number of coastal European sites that are vulnerable to visitor pressure and therefore any specific enhancement would need to be carefully planned at the project level to ensure that additional effects are not generated. The GP cross references the policies of the JLDP and specifically references the need for tourism related development to not have adverse effects on any European or national designated conservation sites (or interest features) including from visitor pressure.
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Guiding Principle Linked Effects as Rationale Recommendations JLDP Drafted? Strategic Policy
GP 6: Maintaining and PS1, PS2, No effect Will have no effect on any European site. None Enhancing Community PS5, PS9, Provides guidance on the County Council’s Facilities and Services PS15, PS17 support and expectations for new development to maintain or provide new community facilities and services but does not provide locational guidance or allocate sites for that development (other than by directing development to locations that are easily accessible and reflect the JLDP spatial strategy (i.e. focusing development in the largest settlements - Holyhead, Llangefni and Amlwch) GP 7: Protecting Health PS5, PS9 No effect Will have no effect on any European site. None Will not lead to development; requires that the project promoter undertakes assessments of health and amenity impacts of associated developments.
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GP 8: Promoting Healthy No effect Will have no effect on any European site. None Lifestyles Will not lead to development; requires that the project promoter undertakes assessments of development impact on existing open space and recreation provision to ensure that there will be no adverse effects on this and that additional requirements are identified. Note that this guidance will indirectly assist with the management of visitor pressure on some sites. GP 9a: Maintaining and PS1, PS2, No effect Will have no effect on any European site. None Creating Cohesive PS5, PS9, GP9a will not lead to development; requires that Communities PS10, PS17 the project promoter accounts for the potential GP 9b: Maintaining and for development to affect community cohesion / Creating Cohesive social inequalities; and prepares and maintains a Communities – Campus Workers Accommodation Management Service Style Temporary (WAMS) to manage worker accommodation. Accommodation for GP9b does not allocate sites. It requires Construction Workers development of temporary accommodation to meet the requirements of JLDP which has been subject to HRA.
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Guiding Principle Linked Effects as Rationale Recommendations JLDP Drafted? Strategic Policy
GP 10a: Permanent PS2, PS5, No effect GP10a indicates that construction worker None Housing PS9, PS10, accommodation should be located in accordance GP10b: Campus Style PS16, PS17, with the JLDP settlement strategy and Section 5 Temporary Construction PS18 of the draft SPG; this would focus new Worker Accommodation development on Amlwch, Holyhead and Llangefni, with smaller-scale growth in other service centres. The JLDP has been subject to HRA. The GP also specifically seeks to minimise effects on designated nature conservation sites (or their interest features), particularly with regard to recreational amenity. The locational guidance included in Section 5 of the draft SPG sets out specific requirements with respect to impacts on European sites, and the measures included within GP27 – 36 will be sufficient to ensure that there are no significant effects as a result of this guidance. GP10b requires development to accord with the spatial approach as set out in the JLDP. The GP also references impacts on the designated conservation sites (and interest features).
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Guiding Principle Linked Effects as Rationale Recommendations JLDP Drafted? Strategic Policy
GP 11: Latent Supply PS9, PS16 No effect Will have no effect on any European site. None Will not lead to development; requires the project promoter to prepare a community support strategy to assist local landlords etc realise latent supply. GP 12: Tourism PS9, PS14 No effect Will have no effect on any European site. None Accommodation The guidance mainly focuses on the need to maintain capacity within the tourist accommodation sector, and mechanisms for this, including (inter alia) the production of a Tourism Accommodation Strategy and (if necessary) the provision of new tourist accommodation. Criteria are provided for new accommodation which cross references JLPD policies (which have been subject to HRA) and GP10a (which includes reference to avoiding effects on designated sites) and specifically sets out that consideration should be given to impacts on natural environment assets, including designated conservation sites.
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Guiding Principle Linked Effects as Rationale Recommendations JLDP Drafted? Strategic Policy
GP 13a: New Caravan or PS9, PS14 No significant GP13a and GP13b focus on the use of new or GP13a and GP13b could Other Forms of Non- effect existing sites for use as construction worker include a criterion to permanent accommodation. The GPs do include cross designated conservation Accommodation Sites for references to JLDP policies (which have been sites in the criteria - to Temporary Residential subject HRA) which will ensure development take into account Use proposals meet policy requirements for the whether: GP 13b: Use of Existing natural environment. However, GP13a and 13b “There is an adverse Holiday Caravans or other could be strengthened by specificinclusion of effect on designated Form of Non-Permanent criterion related to avoiding effects on designated conservation sites (or Accommodation conservation sites. their interest features) particularly with regards to visitor pressure.” GP 14: Maintaining and PS1, PS2, No effect Will have no effect on any European site. None Strengthening Welsh PS5, PS9 Will not lead to development. Language and Culture
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Guiding Principle Linked Effects as Rationale Recommendations JLDP Drafted? Strategic Policy
GP 15: Transport PS2, PS4, No significant The guidance is mostly a general statement of None PS5, PS9, effect policy / list of criteria to be met by any new PS11, PS12, transport schemes required to assist with the PS13, PS15 delivery of the Wylfa Newydd Project. However, the guidance aims to maximise the use of sea transport, and advocates the enhancement of the port facilities at Holyhead including improved capacity and the Marine Off-loading Facility at the main Wylfa Newydd site. The enhancement of port facilities at Holyhead is presented as suggestions rather than requirements or criteria, although the promotion of additional capacity should be made cautiously in the absence of detailed information on potential effects on nearby European sites, notably the nearby units of the Glannau Ynys Gybi / Holy Island Coast SPA and SAC and North Anglesey Marine cSAC, although the activities of the Port are not noted in the site management plan as having negative effects on the interest features of these sites. However, any specific proposals would need to be subject to HRA. The GP seeks appropriate park and ride facilities and cross references relevant JLDP policies (which have been subject to HRA).
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GP 16: Utilities Provision PS2, PS3, No effect Will have no significant effect on any European None PS5, PS9, site. PS13 The guidance is essentially a protective measure that will provide mitigation / avoidance for potential impacts associated with utilities provision, notably with regard to the timely provision of additional capacity. GP 17: Managing Waste PS2, PS5, No significant Will have no significant effect on any European None Sustainably PS6, PS9, effect site. PS21 The guidance does not identify potential sites for waste disposal, and is essentially a protective measure that sets out waste management expectations and requires that the project promoter produces appropriate waste management plans. It also requires that (inter alia) the developer demonstrate that the waste management activities will have no adverse effects on the environment. GP 18: Nuclear Waste PS9 No effect Will have no effect on any European site. None Storage Facilities Protective guidance / design criteria.
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Guiding Principle Linked Effects as Rationale Recommendations JLDP Drafted? Strategic Policy
GP 19: Mitigating Climate PS2, PS5, No significant Will have no negative effect on any European site None Change PS6, PS7, effect Will not lead to development; requires that the PS9, PS19 project promoter minimises contribution of the Wylfa Newydd Project to climate change through various measures. GP 20: Adapting to PS2, PS5, No significant Will have no significant effect on any European None Climate Change PS6, PS9 effect site Sets out general criteria to ensure that any new development is designed / built to account for the likely effects of climate change, including cross reference to flood risk strategies and Shoreline Management Plans. GP 21: Conserving and PS2, PS5, No effect Will have no negative effect on any European site. None Enhancing the Natural PS9, PS19 Protective guidance. Environment GP 22: Conserving the PS2, PS5, No effect Will have no negative effect on any European site. None Water Environment PS6, PS9, Protective guidance. PS19 GP 23: Conserving and PS2, PS5, No effect Will have no negative effect on any European site. None Enhancing the Historic PS9, PS20 Protective guidance. Environment
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GP 24: Planning PS2, PS9 No effect Will have no negative effect on any European site. None Obligations General statement of policy re. use of planning controls. GP 25: Use of Council No effect Will have no negative effect on any European site. None Powers General statement of policy re. use of the County Council’s statutory powers. GP 26: Implementation PS9 No effect Will have no negative effect on any European site. None and Monitoring Will not lead to development; sets out the County Council’s expectations for plans etc. to monitor the effects of the Wylfa Newydd Project and outcomes of associated mitigation. GP 27: North Anglesey – PS4, PS9, No significant The GP sets out an overall approach for None. Key Development PS10, PS17 effects development proposals to consider in the North Principles Anglesey. It does not allocate sites. The GP cross references the JLDP (which was subject to HRA) and other locational guidance. The GP specifically references the need for (inter alia) the impacts on the natural environment of North Anglesey to be considered and assessed.
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Guiding Principle Linked Effects as Rationale Recommendations JLDP Drafted? Strategic Policy
GP 28a: Wylfa Newydd No significant GP28a and 28b applies to the Wylfa Newydd None Main Site – Key effect main site. This area is proposed by other plans Development Principles (and therefore the GP cannot have a significant GP 28b: Wylfa Newydd effect). However, the GP provides additional Main Site Campus Style requirements for the main Wylfa Newydd site Temporary Construction which will help avoid significant effects on any Worker Accommodation European sites (particularly under criterion e (i). – Key Development GP28b provides guidance for temporary Principles accommodation (and is noted to be in addition to GP28a). It includes at criterion viii that regard should be paid to increased visitor pressure on designated sites.
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Guiding Principle Linked Effects as Rationale Recommendations JLDP Drafted? Strategic Policy
GP 29: Amlwch and PS4, PS9, No significant The GP cross references JLDP policy (which has It is suggested that within Environs PS10, PS17 effects been subject to HRA) and promotes development the guidance in the ‘Key in accordance with JLDP policies. It does not Issues’ section reference is allocate development. also made to North The interest features of the Liverpool Bay / Anglesey Marine / Bae Lerpwl SPA (Red-throated diver; Gogledd Môn Forol Common scoter; and the waterbird cSAC. assemblage (comprising the two species noted)) are unlikely to be particularly vulnerable to the likely effects of development directed towards Amlwch, which is over 2km from the nearest point of the SPA (although the specific effects of the Wylfa Newydd Project on this site are to be determined following project-level HRA). The interest features of the North Anglesey Marine / Gogledd Môn Forol cSAC (harbour porpoises) are unlikely to be particularly vulnerable (although the specific effects of the Wylfa Newydd Project on this site are to be determined following project-level HRA). All other sites are at least 9km away and specifically attributable effects are unlikely; wider diffuse impacts (e.g. visitor pressure) will be managed through the other GPs.
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Guiding Principle Linked Effects as Rationale Recommendations JLDP Drafted? Strategic Policy
GP 30: Cemaes and PS4, PS9, No significant The GP cross references JLDP policy (which has It is suggested that the Environs PS10, PS17 effects been subject to HRA) and promotes development guidance in the ‘Key in accordance with JLDP policies. It does not Issues’ section is amended allocate development. The guidance promotes reflect the name change of development within Cemaes and explicitly Ynys Feurig, Cemlyn protects the Cemlyn Bay SAC and Anglesey Bay and The Skerries Terns SPA, so direct effects on local European SPA to Anglesey Terns sites are unlikely. SPA and reference is also However, some of the features of Cemlyn Bay made to North SAC and Anglesey Terns SPA are particularly Anglesey Marine / vulnerable to disturbance and visitor pressure, Gogledd Môn Forol notably Perennial vegetation of stony banks cSAC. (vulnerable to trampling) and the tern species (vulnerable to disturbance during the breeding period). Although Cemaes is a popular tourist destination (particularly in summer), the potential increase in the permanent population of the area for the duration of construction could increase disturbance of shingle areas of Cemlyn bay due to casual recreation, particularly earlier in the breeding season. Currently this is managed through wardening and periodic footpath closures and the SPG should encourage the project promoter to support these approaches to
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minimise disturbance, as well as provide adequate recreational space within new developments. The interest feature of the North Anglesey Marine / Gogledd Môn Forol cSAC (harbour porpoises) are unlikely to be particularly vulnerable (although the specific effects of the Wylfa Newydd Project on this site are to be determined following project-level HRA). GP 31: A5025 Corridor PS4, PS9, No significant The GP does not provide support for substantial None PS10, PS17 effects new development within this area of search, although road improvements and expansion of existing businesses will be supported. There are no European sites within 2km of the area of search and specific direct threats to sites cannot be identified. Wider diffuse impacts (e.g. visitor pressure) will be managed through the other guiding principles and the mitigation included within GP31.
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GP 32: The Rest of PS4, PS9, The GP sets out an overall approach for Wylfa None Anglesey – Key PS10, PS17 Newydd related development proposals to Development Principles consider in the Rest of Anglesey. It does not allocate sites. The GP cross references the JLDP (which was subject to HRA) and other locational guidance. The GP specifically references the need for (inter alia) the impacts on the natural environment of the Rest of Anglesey to be considered and assessed. GP 33: Holyhead and PS4, PS9, No significant The GP cross references JLDP policy (which has It is suggested that the Environs PS10, PS17 effect been subject to HRA) and promotes development guidance in the ‘Key in accordance with JLDP policies. It does not Issues’ section also allocate development. The guidance promotes references the North development within Holyhead and protects the Anglesey Marine / Glannau Ynys Gybi / Holy Island Coast SAC Gogledd Môn Forol / SPA, so direct effects on local European sites cSAC. are unlikely. The features of the Glannau Ynys Gybi / Holy Island Coast SAC / SPA (Vegetated sea cliffs; Wet heaths; Dry heaths; and Chough) are all in ‘unfavourable’, or ‘unfavourable declining’ condition; this is primarily due to management, notably undergrazing. Impacts
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associated with visitor pressure or disturbance are not specifically identified as having a major direct effect on the site, but recreational dog- walking is cited as a possible reason for the absence of traditional grazing practice, and arson and erosion from off-road vehicles are identified as issues in some units. Increasing the resident population of Holyhead could exacerbate these issues, although this may not be significant given the over-riding management issues at the site. However, the SPG should encourage the project promoter to support approaches to minimise disturbance of the SAC / SPA, including adequate proposals for the provision of recreational space in new developments (see GP8). GP33 also includes specific reference to the management or mitigation of increased visitor pressure. The interest feature of the North Anglesey Marine / Gogledd Môn Forol cSAC (harbour porpoises) are unlikely to be particularly vulnerable (although the specific effects of the Wylfa Newydd Project on this site are to be determined following project-level HRA).
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GP 34: Llangefni and PS4, PS9, No significant The GP cross references JLDP policy (which has None Environs PS10, PS17 effects been subject to HRA) and promotes development in accordance with JLDP policies. It does not allocate development. The guidance promotes development within Llangefni and provides protective measures for the Corsydd Môn/ Anglesey Fens SAC and Corsydd Môn a Llyn/ Anglesey and Llyn Fens Ramsar site so direct effects resulting from supported development are unlikely. Furthermore, although the interest features of the sites are all in ‘unfavourable’, or ‘unfavourable declining’ condition this is primarily due to site- specific management issues (notably undergrazing and hydrological / drainage control) which are unlikely to be affected by any development supported by the SPG. Nutrient enrichment, particularly from agriculture but also from point sources such as treatment works, is identified as a significant issue for some site units, although Llangefni (and its treatment works) is downstream of all SAC units and so will not contribute to nutrient enrichment in this way. Enrichment via air pollution also occurs, but the guidance within the SPG (e.g. on transport) will minimise the potential effects of this.
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Sites downstream of Llangefni (notably the Glannau Mon: Cors Heli / Anglesey Coast: Saltmarsh SAC) are unlikely to be particularly vulnerable to the likely outcomes of development in this area, other than with regard to the broader issue of Island-wide visitor pressure.
GP 35: A55/A5 Corridor PS4, PS9, No significant The GP cross references JLDP policy (which has It is suggested that the PS10, PS17 effects been subject to HRA) and promotes development guidance in the ‘Key in accordance with JLDP policies. It does not Issues’ section also allocate development. references the North The A55/A5 corridor is a large area and is close Anglesey Marine / to European sites, Y Fenai a Bae Conwy/ Gogledd Môn Forol Menai Strait and Conwy Bay SAC, Llyn cSAC. Dinam SAC and the North Anglesey Marine / Gogledd Môn Forol cSAC. Specific potential effects on these sites are difficult to identify although the GP directs new development to the defined development boundaries of Valley, Llanfairpwll, Gaerwen and Menai Bridge which will make potential effects easier to manage and control. However, the interest features of Y
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Fenai a Bae Conwy/ Menai Strait and Conwy Bay SAC (Mudflats and sandflats; Large shallow inlets and bays; Reefs; Sandbanks; and Sea caves) are unlikely to be particularly sensitive or exposed to the developments typically supported by the SPG although this can only be determined on a project basis. Llyn Dinam is in unfavourable condition due to nutrient enrichment, the main reasons for which are being addressed, although further development would need to be carefully managed to ensure that this was not increased (this would be covered by GP16 and GP22). The interest feature of the North Anglesey Marine / Gogledd Môn Forol cSAC (harbour porpoises) are unlikely to be particularly vulnerable (although the specific effects of the Wylfa Newydd Project on this site are to be determined following project-level HRA). The protective measures included within GP35 will be sufficient to prevent significant effects on these or any other sites.
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GP 36: Coast and Rural PS4, PS9, No significant The GP cross references JLDP policy (which has None Hinterland PS10, PS17 effects been subject to HRA) and promotes development in accordance with JLDP policies. It does not allocate development. The GP does not provide support for substantial new development within this area of search in line with the JLDP, although the GP specifically references Bodedern, Benllech and Beaumaris as being suitable for some construction worker accommodation. Bodedern is fairly close to Llyn Dinam SAC, which could be vulnerable to water quality impacts associated with new development (although this can only be assessed at the project level). However, the mitigation included within the GP will prevent significant effects on this site. Wider diffuse impacts (e.g. visitor pressure) will be managed through the other GPs and the mitigation included within GP36. Beaumaris is close to the Fenai a Bae Conwy/ Menai Strait and Conwy Bay SAC (Mudflats and sandflats; Large shallow inlets and bays; Reefs; Sandbanks; and Sea caves). However they are unlikely to be particularly sensitive or exposed to the developments typically supported by the SPG
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although this can only be determined on a project basis.
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4.3 In Combination Effects
Within-plan Effects 4.3.1 With regard to ‘within plan’ effects9, the potential for GPs to have ‘in combination’ effects on European sites has been reviewed and assessed. It should be noted that the GPs are not geographically explicit; nor do they provide for a specific quantum of development. As a result, it is not possible to explicitly identify and assess every potential ‘in combination’ effect between policies at this level: whilst potential effects are imaginable (e.g. development within the areas of search combined with new transport schemes (GP15), these cannot be meaningfully assessed since the effects will depend almost entirely on how the various developments are implemented; in these instances the potential for in combination effects are managed and avoided by the inclusion of protective clauses within the GPs themselves. In addition, the overarching protective GPs will help to ensure that in combination effects between GPs will not occur. In consequence, it is considered that the draft SPG has no internal conflicts or ‘in combination’ effects between GPs that could result in significant effects on any European sites. This assessment is summarised in Table 4.5.
9 i.e. effects between the GPs contained in the draft SPG, rather than with external plans or projects.
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Table 4.5 Summary of Potential within-plan in Combination Effects
Site Key GPs with Risk of GPs with Risk of Indirect / Assessment and Mitigation In Vulnerabilities Specific Effects Diffuse Effects Combination to SPG Effects
Afon Gwyrfai a Llyn Cwellyn Water resource None GP 5: Supporting the Visitor Potential population growth on No SAC permissions Economy the Island accounted for within Water quality GP 10a: Permanent Housing Welsh Water’s WRMP, although this may need to be GP 10b: Campus Style Temporary revised to account for additional Construction Worker worker accommodation. SPG Accommodation does not promote a quantum of GP 12: Tourism Accommodation development and provides GP 13a: New Caravan or Other mitigation through guidance Forms of Non-permanent such as GP 16: Utilities Accommodation Sites for Provision. Temporary Residential Use GP 13b: Use of Existing Holiday Caravans or other Form of Non- Permanent Accommodation
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Site Key GPs with Risk of GPs with Risk of Indirect / Assessment and Mitigation In Vulnerabilities Specific Effects Diffuse Effects Combination to SPG Effects
Bae Cemlyn/ Cemlyn Bay Visitor pressure GP 32: Cemaes and GP 5: Supporting the Visitor Visitor pressure may increase; No SAC Water quality Environs (risk of Economy mitigation included in increased visitor GP 10a: Permanent Housing GP5/10a/10b/12 to avoid this. pressure) GP13a/13b cross references GP 10b: Campus Style Temporary JLDP (which provides policy for Construction Worker mitigation) but could be Accommodation strengthened. GP 12: Tourism Accommodation Water quality impacts possible GP 13a New Caravan or Other but SPG does not promote a Forms of Non-permanent quantum of development and Accommodation Sites for provides mitigation through Temporary Residential Use guidance such as GP 16: Utilities GP 13b Use of Existing Provision. Holiday Caravans or other Form of Non-Permanent Accommodation Coedydd Aber SAC None None None No reasonable impact pathways No for significant effects.
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Site Key GPs with Risk of GPs with Risk of Indirect / Assessment and Mitigation In Vulnerabilities Specific Effects Diffuse Effects Combination to SPG Effects
Corsydd Môn/ Anglesey Fens Water quality GP 28: Llangefni and GP 5: Supporting the Visitor Vulnerable to hydrological No SAC Environs Economy effects (water quality / quantity) GP 36: Coast and GP 10a: Permanent Housing but all specific Areas of Search Rural Hinterland (other than GP36 Coast and GP 10b: Campus Style Temporary Rural Hinterland are Construction Worker downstream. Accommodation Water quality impacts unlikely; GP 12: Tourism Accommodation SPG does not promote a GP 13a New Caravan or Other quantum of development and Forms of Non-permanent provides mitigation through Accommodation Sites for guidance such as GP 16: Utilities Temporary Residential Use Provision. GP 13b Use of Existing Holiday Caravans or other Form of Non-Permanent Accommodation Eryri/ Snowdonia SAC None None None No reasonable impact pathways No for significant effects.
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Site Key GPs with Risk of GPs with Risk of Indirect / Assessment and Mitigation In Vulnerabilities Specific Effects Diffuse Effects Combination to SPG Effects
Glannau Môn: Cors heli / Water quality GP 28: Llangefni and GP 5: Supporting the Visitor Water quality impacts unlikely; No Anglesey Coast: Saltmarsh Environs Economy SPG does not promote a SAC GP 10a: Permanent Housing quantum of development and provides mitigation through GP 10b: Campus Style Temporary guidance such as GP 16: Utilities Construction Worker Provision. Accommodation GP 12: Tourism Accommodation GP 13a New Caravan or Other Forms of Non-permanent Accommodation Sites for Temporary Residential Use GP 13b Use of Existing Holiday Caravans or other Form of Non-Permanent Accommodation
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Site Key GPs with Risk of GPs with Risk of Indirect / Assessment and Mitigation In Vulnerabilities Specific Effects Diffuse Effects Combination to SPG Effects
Glannau Ynys Gybi/ Holy Visitor pressure GP 27: Holyhead and GP 15: Transport Visitor pressure may increase; No Island Coast SAC Air quality Environs GP 5: Supporting the Visitor mitigation included in GP5/10/12 Economy to avoid this. GP13a/13b cross references JLDP (which GP 10a: Permanent Housing provides policy for mitigation) GP 10b: Campus Style Temporary but could be strengthened. Construction Worker Expansion of Holyhead Port Accommodation supported by GP15 supporting GP 12: Tourism Accommodation text but mitigation included for GP 13a New Caravan or Other this and not likely to operate in Forms of Non-permanent combination. Accommodation Sites for Temporary Residential Use GP 13b Use of Existing Holiday Caravans or other Form of Non-Permanent Accommodation Glan-traeth SAC None None None Unlikely to be exposed unless No development is within 500m. Glynllifon SAC None None None On mainland; unlikely to be No exposed to likely outcomes of SPG.
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Site Key GPs with Risk of GPs with Risk of Indirect / Assessment and Mitigation In Vulnerabilities Specific Effects Diffuse Effects Combination to SPG Effects
Llyn Dinam SAC Water quality GP 35: A55/A5 GP 15: Transport Water quality impacts unlikely; No (point and Corridor (risks of GP 5: Supporting the Visitor SPG does not promote a diffuse) nutrient enrichment Economy quantum of development and associated with provides mitigation through development) GP 10a: Permanent Housing guidance such as GP 16: Utilities GP 36: Coast and GP 10b: Campus Style Temporary Provision. Rural Hinterland Construction Worker Accommodation
GP 12: Tourism Accommodation GP 13a New Caravan or Other Forms of Non-permanent Accommodation Sites for Temporary Residential Use GP 13b Use of Existing Holiday Caravans or other Form of Non-Permanent Accommodation
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Site Key GPs with Risk of GPs with Risk of Indirect / Assessment and Mitigation In Vulnerabilities Specific Effects Diffuse Effects Combination to SPG Effects
Y Fenai a Bae Conwy/ Menai Water quality GP 35: A55/A5 GP 15: Transport Water quality impacts unlikely; No Strait and Conwy Bay SAC (point and Corridor (risks of GP 5: Supporting the Visitor SPG does not promote a diffuse) nutrient enrichment Economy quantum of development and associated with provides mitigation through development) GP 10a: Permanent Housing guidance such as GP 16: Utilities GP 10b: Campus Style Temporary Provision. Construction Worker Accommodation GP 12: Tourism Accommodation GP 13a: New Caravan or Other Forms of Non-permanent Accommodation Sites for Temporary Residential Use GP 13b: Use of Existing Holiday Caravans or other Form of Non- Permanent Accommodation
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Site Key GPs with Risk of GPs with Risk of Indirect / Assessment and Mitigation In Vulnerabilities Specific Effects Diffuse Effects Combination to SPG Effects
Y Twyni o Abermenai i Visitor pressure None GP 32: Rest of Anglesey – Key Visitor pressure may increase; No Aberffraw/ Abermenai to Development Principles mitigation included in Aberffraw Dunes SAC GP 34: Llangefni and Environs GP5/10a/10b/12 to avoid this. GP13a/13b cross references GP 35: A55/A5 Corridor JLDP (which provides policy for GP 36: Coast and Rural mitigation) but could be Hinterland strengthened. GP 15: Transport GP 5: Supporting the Visitor Economy GP 10a: Permanent Housing GP 10b: Campus Style Temporary Construction Worker Accommodation GP 12: Tourism Accommodation GP 13a: New Caravan or Other Forms of Non-permanent Accommodation Sites for Temporary Residential Use GP 13b: Use of Existing Holiday Caravans or other Form of Non- Permanent Accommodation
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Site Key GPs with Risk of GPs with Risk of Indirect / Assessment and Mitigation In Vulnerabilities Specific Effects Diffuse Effects Combination to SPG Effects
Gogledd Môn Forol / North Water quality GP 29: Amlwch and GP 15: Transport Water quality impacts unlikely; No Anglesey Marine cSAC Environs GP 32: SPG does not promote a Cemaes and Environs quantum of development and GP 33: Holyhead and provides mitigation through Environs guidance such as GP 16: Utilities Provision. GP 36: Coast and Rural Hinterland Glannau Ynys Gybi / Holy Visitor pressure GP 33: Holyhead and GP 15: Transport Visitor pressure may increase No Island Coast SPA Environs GP 5: Supporting the Visitor disturbance of chough; Economy mitigation included in GP5/10a/10b/12 to avoid this. GP 10a: Permanent Housing GP13a/13b cross references GP 10b: Campus Style Temporary JLDP (which provides policy for Construction Worker mitigation) but could be Accommodation strengthened. GP 12: Tourism Accommodation GP 13a:New Caravan or Other Forms of Non-permanent Accommodation Sites for Temporary Residential Use GP 13b: Use of Existing Holiday Caravans or other Form of Non- Permanent Accommodation
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Site Key GPs with Risk of GPs with Risk of Indirect / Assessment and Mitigation In Vulnerabilities Specific Effects Diffuse Effects Combination to SPG Effects
Liverpool Bay / Bae Lerpwl None None None Unlikely to be exposed to likely No SPA outcomes of SPG. Traeth Lafan / Lavan Sands, None None None Unlikely to be exposed to likely No Conway Bay SPA outcomes of SPG. Morwenoliaid Ynys Môn/ Visitor pressure GP 32: Cemaes and GP 5: Supporting the Visitor Visitor pressure may increase; No Anglesey Terns SPA Water quality Environs (risk of Economy mitigation included in increased visitor GP 10a: Permanent Housing GP5/10a/10b/12 to avoid this. pressure) GP13a/13b cross references GP 10b: Campus Style Temporary JLDP (which provides policy for Construction Worker mitigation) but could be Accommodation strengthened. GP 12: Tourism Accommodation Water quality impacts possible GP 13a New Caravan or Other but SPG does not promote a Forms of Non-permanent quantum of development and Accommodation Sites for provides mitigation through Temporary Residential Use guidance such as GP 15: Utilities GP 13b Use of Existing Provision. Holiday Caravans or other Form of Non-Permanent Accommodation Ynys Seiriol / Puffin Island None None None Unlikely to be exposed to likely No SPA outcomes of SPG.
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Site Key GPs with Risk of GPs with Risk of Indirect / Assessment and Mitigation In Vulnerabilities Specific Effects Diffuse Effects Combination to SPG Effects
Corsydd Môn a Llyn/ Water quality GP 28: Llangefni and GP 5: Supporting the Visitor Vulnerable to hydrological No Anglesey and Llyn Fens Environs Economy effects (water quality / quantity) Ramsar GP 36: Coast and GP 10a: Permanent Housing but all specific Areas of Search Rural Hinterland (other than GP36: Coast and GP 10b: Campus Style Temporary Rural Hinterland) are Construction Worker downstream. Accommodation Water quality impacts unlikely; GP 12: Tourism Accommodation SPG does not promote a GP 13a: New Caravan or Other quantum of development and Forms of Non-permanent provides mitigation through Accommodation Sites for guidance such as GP 16: Utilities Temporary Residential Use Provision GP 13b: Use of Existing Holiday Caravans or other Form of Non- Permanent Accommodation
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Effects with Other Plans, Programmes and Projects 4.3.2 Given the range of plans and projects that may affect European sites within the Wylfa Newydd SPG area and the lack of location specific information regarding the Wylfa Newydd Project, a pragmatic approach to the in combination assessment is required. The list of plans and programmes provided by the SA and topic papers prepared in support of the SPG were used as a basis for identifying potential impact pathways for ‘in combination’ effects with other strategic plans. Table 4.6 summarises the assessment of these plans and the risk of ‘in combination’ effects.
Table 4.6 Assessment of Potential ‘In Combination’ Effects with Other Strategic Plans
Plan Summary Assessment and recommendations Regional and Sub-Regional Plans and Programmes Western Wales The River Basin Management Plan The RBMP does not detail specific River Basin (RBMP) addresses: projects and does not not constrain Management Plan Improving the management of where or how the guidance (2015) rural land; contained in the SPG will be implemented. The SPG is not Reducing the impact of expected to have a significant transportation and built negative effect on a European site in environments; combination with other plans or Ensuring sufficient amounts of projects. sustainable water; No significant in combination effects Improving wildlife habitats; are likely. Dealing with single source pollution. The Western Wales area of the Plan extends across the entire western half of Wales, from the Vale of Glamorgan in the south to Denbighshire in the north. The plan identifies measures that will protect and improve the water environment. It is considered that the overall effect of implementing the measures will be positive for European sites; however, it is possible that in their implementation, there could be direct or indirect negative effects, alone or in combination, on European sites.
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Plan Summary Assessment and recommendations West of Wales The Welsh Government has defined a The SMP identifies broad policy Shoreline policy of Integrated Coastal Zone proposals for sections of the Management Plan Management which encourages all Anglesey coast but does not specify (2012) organisations with an interest in the particular projects. The SPG has coastline of Wales to work together to been drafted with reference to the formulate Shoreline Management Plans SMP and negative in combination (SMPs). These provide key information effects would not be expected. to inform the statutory planning No significant in combination effects process in developing Local are likely. Development Plans and economic development strategies. The SMP only sets broad high-level policies for management of flood and coastal erosion risk. It does not detail specific projects or constrain where or how the guidance contained in the SPG will be implemented. However, these policies will influence the guidance. Local Plans and Programmes
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Plan Summary Assessment and recommendations Joint Local The Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local The JLDP sets the up-to-date policy Development Plan Development Plan (JLDP) was adopted framework for the Island. The JLDP (JLDP) by the County Council on 31st July was subject to HRA. 2017. The JLDP replaced the Gwynedd The JLDP includes a requirement for Structure Plan, the Anglesey Local Plan 7,184 dwellings between 2011 and and the (stopped) Unitary 2026 (to be provided across Development Plan and sets out the Anglesey and Gwynedd but policy framework and strategic aims for excluding Snowdonia National Park) development and land use from 2011- and makes provision for around 2026. 7,902 dwellings to include a 10% slippage. The spatial strategy is to distribute this growth in accordance with the following settlement hierarchy within Anglesey (as defined in JLDP Strategic Policy PS17: Settlement Strategy): • Urban Service Centres: In Anglesey these are Amlwch, Holyhead and Llangefni; • Local Service Centres: In Anglesey these are Benllech, Bodedern, Cemaes, Gaerwen, LlanfairPwllgwyngyll, Menai Bridge, Pentraeth, Valley; and • Villages: Including service villages (Gwalchmai, Newborough, Llanerchymedd), local villages and coastal/rural villages.
The SPG has been drafted to provide supplementary guidance to complement the JLDP and does not promote additional development which could conflict with the JLDP. The SPG reflects the JLDP spatial strategy and contains guidance that will protect European sites. No significant in combination effects are likely.
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Plan Summary Assessment and recommendations Môn Menai Coastal The purpose of this plan is to develop The plan primarily provides a point Action Plan proposals to make best use of the of reference for potential proposals special coastline of Anglesey (in terms to increase the use of the Angleseay of activities on land and sea), in order Coast. However, it does not to increase the economic benefits as allocate or direct this development much as possible. The plan outlines and the plan has no statutory basis; specific proposals that have been indeed, it would not be subject to grouped into twelve different themes, HRA as it is primarily including including Environmental Attractions and proposals derived from other plans. Anglesey Coastal Path. The plan explicitly states that “All of the projects will require planning, design and approval from consenting authorities. Environmental Impact Assessment is critical to ensure the quality environmental characteristics of the Môn-Menai study area’s coastline are retained. The implimentation of these projects cannot be at the cost of the landscape and ecological character of the coast they are trying to exploit - this would not be sustainable or acceptable” and whilst some of the projects would have potential overlaps with the Wylfa Newydd SPG (e.g. promoting the use of the coastal path could combine with accomodation provision to increase visitor pressure on some sites) it is considered that the mitigation within the SPG will be sufficient to ensure that these effects are not significant.
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Plan Summary Assessment and recommendations Welsh Water Water The Water Resources Management The WRMP identifies specific Resources Plan (WRMP) process identifies projects to resolve water resource Management Plan potential shortages in the future deficits, although none of these (2014) availability of water and sets out the proposals are within Anglesey and possible solutions required to maintain therefore direct in combination the balance between water available effects will not occur. With regard and future demand for water. to effects due to the quantum of development, this would not be an in combination effect with the WRMP (the WRMP is managing predicted changes in water resource demand due to population growth rather than promoting it) and, in any case, the SPG contains sufficient safeguards re. utilities provision. No significant effects would be expected. The Ynys Môn This strategy sets out how the The CAMS primarily provides Catchment Environment Agency (now Natural guidance on water resource Abstraction Resources Wales) will manage water availability within catchments and Management resources in the catchment and does not identify specific schemes. Strategy (2007) provides information about how There is no mechanism for in existing abstraction licences will be combination effects to occur. managed and the availability of water for further abstraction.
Effects with Major and Strategic Projects 4.3.3 There are a number of strategic developments that form part of the Anglesey Energy Island Programme. The potential for the Wylfa Newydd SPG to operate in combination with these specific projects is considered (e.g. by directing development to locations where the effects of these projects could be felt), although it should be noted that the projects are at different stages in their development and will generally be subject to HRA in any case. Table 4.7 summarises the assessment of these projects and the risk of ‘in combination’ effects.
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Table 4.7 Assessment of Potential ‘In Combination’ Effects with Major Projects associated with the Energy Island Programme
Project Summary and Status Assessment and Recommendations Land and Lakes The proposed Land and Lakes An application for the proposed development at Penrhos on Holy Island scheme has been approved. A would include the development of 315 consideration of potential effects on lodges, and 320 houses in Kingsland. Ynys Cybi SAC was made as part of The SPG references that this is a the County Council’s decision which preferred location for construction indicated that there will be no worker accommodation. significant impact on SAC. The SPG contains guiding principles (for any Wylfa Newydd related development) that prevent significant impacts, and will be a material consideration in reserved matters applications that are bought forward. No in combination effects would be expected.
Orthios Biomass Orthios is developing a 299MW The project has been subject to renewable energy biomass power HRA and no significant effects were station and Eco Park, located on the predicted. The SPG does not former Penrhos Works Site, Anglesey constrain development such that in Aluminium Metals, (AAM) Holyhead, combination effects could not be Anglesey. Demolition of the existing avoided at the project level, and site started in October 2016. contains safeguards to prevent this. No in combination effects would be expected. Magnox This scheme involves the The HRA of this scheme concluded Decommissioning decommissioning of the exsiting power that it would have no significant staton at Wylfa. effects on any European site. The Wylfa Newydd Project will be subject to a scheme level HRA which will identify any in combination effects, although the SPG is unlikely to combine with this project to significantly affect any European site.
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Project Summary and Status Assessment and Recommendations Holyhead Deep Minesto Minesto propose to install a HRA (including Appropriate commercial scale 0.5MW power plant Assessment) has been undertaken in Holyhead Deep and continue with for this scheme. The Wylfa Newydd additional deployments in what will Project will be subject to a scheme eventually be an array with a total level HRA which will identify any in capacity of 10MW, expected to be combination effects, although the operational in 2019. The array will SPG is unlikely to combine with this supply electricity to the equivalent of project to significantly affect any 8,000 households and create significant European site. employment opportunities in both the construction and operational phases. Plans announced in 2017 include the extension of the generation target to 80 MW. The scheme was granted a Marine License in April 2017.
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5 Conclusions and Next Steps
5.1 Assessment Conclusions
5.1.1 This report summarises the results of an assessment of the Isle of Anglesey County Council draft Wylfa Newydd SPG against Regulation 63 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. The assessment has been undertaken using an iterative approach, in accordance with best-practice, ensuring that the draft SPG can be shaped such that negative effects on European sites will not occur when it is implemented.
5.1.2 The key elements of the draft revised SPG (the guiding principles) have been reviewed for their potential to affect European sites within 10km of Anglesey, alone and in combination. This process has identified that the SPG would have no likely significant effects although there are a number of minor amendments to individual GPs recommended to strengthen their references to designated sites. It is therefore considered that the Wylfa Newydd SPG would have no likely significant effects on any European sites if adopted.
5.2 Next Steps
5.2.1 This report is being issued for public consultation between the 22nd January to the 22nd February 2018, alongside the draft Wylfa Newydd SPG. Taking into account the findings of this report and other assessments together with the outcome of the consultation, the SPG will be finalised and adopted by the County Council.
5.2.2 It should be noted that further assessment may be required if substantial changes are made to the SPG prior to adoption. A final statement on the document’s compliance with Regulation 63 will be required on adoption.
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Appendix A European Sites and Associated Protected Areas
Box A1 European Sites and associated Protected Areas Special Area SAC Designated under the EU Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, and implemented in the UK Conservation through the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, and the Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended). Sites of SCI Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) are sites that have been adopted Community by the European Commission but not yet formally designated by the Importance government of each country. Although not formally designated they are nevertheless fully protected by Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, and the Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended). Candidate cSA Candidate SACs (cSACs) are sites that have been submitted to the SAC C European Commission, but not yet formally adopted. Although these sites are still undergoing designation and adoption they are still fully protected by Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended). Possible SACs pSA Sites that have been formally advised to UK Government, but not yet C submitted to the European Commission. As a matter of policy the Governments in England, Scotland and Wales extend the same protection to these sites in respect of new development as that afforded to SACs. Draft SACs dSA Areas that have been formally advised to UK government as suitable for C selection as SACs, but have not been formally approved by government as sites for public consultation. These are not protected (unless covered by some other designation) and it is likely that their existence will not be established through desk study except through direct contact with the relevant statutory authority; however, the statutory authority is likely to take into account the proposed reasons for designation when considering potential impacts on them.
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Box A1 European Sites and associated Protected Areas Special SPA Designated under EU Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Protection Wild Birds (the ‘old Wild Birds Directive’) and Directive 2009/147/EC on Area the Conservation of Wild Birds (the ‘new Wild Birds Directive, which repeals the ‘old Wild Birds Directive’), and protected by Article 6 of Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. These directives are implemented in the UK through the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 and The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &C.) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 1995 (as amended) and the Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats & c.) Regulations 2007. Potential SPA pSP These are sites that are still undergoing designation and have not been A designated by the Secretary of State; however, ECJ case law indicates that these sites are protected under Article 4(4) of Directive 2009/147/EC (which in theory provides a higher level of protection than the Habitats Directive, which does not apply until the sites are designated as SPAs), and as a matter of policy the Governments in England, Scotland and Wales extend the same protection to these sites in respect of new development as that afforded to SPAs, and they may be protected by some other designation (e.g. SSSI). Ramsar The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention or Wetlands Convention) was adopted in Ramsar, Iran in February 1971. The UK ratified the Convention in 1976. In the UK Ramsar sites are generally underpinned by notification of these areas as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) (or Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs) in Northern Ireland). Ramsar sites therefore receive statutory protection under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), and the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985. However, as a matter of policy the Governments in England, Scotland and Wales extend the same protection to listed Ramsar sites in respect of new development as that afforded to SPAs and SACs.
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Appendix B European Sites and Interest Features
Table B1 SACs and Interest Features within 10km (based on www.jncc.gov.uk) (Note: I = Annex I Habitat; II = Annex II Species; * = Feature that is Primary Reason for site selection; all other features are Qualifying Features)
SAC Interest Features Afon Gwyrfai a Luronium natans II Llyn Cwellyn Salmo salar II Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation I Lutra lutra II Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea I Bae Cemlyn/ Coastal lagoons Cemlyn Bay I* Perennial vegetation of stony banks I Coedydd Aber Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) I* Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles I Corsydd Môn/ Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix I Anglesey Fens Euphydryas (Eurodryas, Hypodryas) aurinia II Vertigo geyeri II Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae I* Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp. I Alkaline fens I Coenagrion mercuriale II Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) I Eryri/ Siliceous scree of the montane to snow levels (Androsacetalia alpinae Snowdonia and Galeopsietalia ladani) I Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation I
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SAC Interest Features Siliceous alpine and boreal grasslands I Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea I Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels I Drepanocladus (Hamatocaulis) vernicosus II Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation I Luronium natans II Species-rich Nardus grassland, on siliceous substrates in mountain areas (and submountain areas in continental Europe) I* SAC Interest Features Eryri/ Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion Snowdonia (contd) I Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) I* Alkaline fens I Alpine pioneer formations of the Caricion bicoloris-atrofuscae I* Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles I Blanket bogs I* Alpine and Boreal heaths I Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix I Alpine and subalpine calcareous grasslands I European dry heaths I Glannau Môn: Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand I Cors heli / Anglesey Coast: Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) Saltmarsh I Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide I Estuaries I Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts I European dry heaths I Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix I Glan-traeth Triturus cristatus II
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SAC Interest Features Glynllifon Rhinolophus hipposideros II Llyn Dinam Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation I Y Fenai a Bae Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide I Conwy/ Menai Strait and Large shallow inlets and bays I Conwy Bay Reefs I Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time I Submerged or partially submerged sea caves I Y Twyni o Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type Abermenai i vegetation I Aberffraw/ Abermenai to Humid dune slacks I Aberffraw Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria ("white Dunes dunes") I Petalophyllum ralfsii II Dunes with Salix repens ssp. argentea (Salicion arenariae) I Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation ("grey dunes") I* Rumex rupestris II Embryonic shifting dunes I
Table B2 cSACs and Interest Features within 10km (based on www.jncc.gov.uk) (Note: I = Annex I Habitat; II = Annex II Species; * = Feature that is Primary Reason for site selection; all other features are Qualifying Features) cSAC Interest Features Gogledd Môn Phocoena phocoena II* Forol / North Anglesey Marine
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Table B3 SPAs and Interest Features (based on www.jncc.gov.uk) (Note: Art = Article 4.1 or 4.2 of the Birds Directive; B = Breeding; P = Passage; R = Resident; W = Wintering; ( ) = Proposed for removal in SPA review; + = Added in SPA review
SPA Interest Features Art. B P R W
Glannau Ynys Gybi / Holy Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax B+ W Island Coast Liverpool Bay / Bae Common scoter Melanitta nigra W Lerpwl Red-throated diver Gavia stellata W Little gull Larus minutus W Little tern Sterna albifrons B Common tern Sterna hirundo B Waterfowl assemblage W Traeth Lafan / Lavan Curlew Numenius arquata (W) Sands, Conway Bay Great crested grebe Podiceps (P) cristatus Oystercatcher Haematopus W ostralegus Anglesey Terns / Arctic tern Sterna paradisaea B Morwenoliaid Ynys Môn10 Common tern Sterna hirundo B Roseate tern Sterna dougallii B Sandwich tern Sterna sandvicensis B Ynys Seiriol / Puffin Island Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo B
Table B4 Ramsar Sites considered during HRA
10 Site previously named Ynys Feurig, Cemlyn Bay and the Skerries.
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Ramsar Cri. Features Site Corsydd 1 A suite of base-rich, calcareous fens which are a rare habitat type within Mon a the UK’s biogeographical zone. Habitats Directive Annex I features Llyn/Anglesey present include: Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation and Llyn Fens of Chara spp.; Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix; Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae); Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae; Alkaline fens; Vertigo geyeri; Coenagrion mercuriale; Euphydryas aurinia. 3 The site supports a diverse flora and fauna with associated rare species and is of special value for maintaining the genetic and ecological diversity of the region.
NOTES ON CRITERIA 1 Contains a representative, rare, or unique example of a natural or near-natural wetland type found within the biogeographic region. 2 Supports vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species or threatened ecological communities. 3 Supports populations of plant and/or animal species important for maintaining the biodiversity of a particular biogeographic region. 4 Supports plant and/or animal species at a critical stage in their life cycles, or provides refuge during adverse conditions. 5 Regularly supports 20,000 or more waterbirds. 6 Regularly supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or subspecies of waterbird. 7 Supports a significant proportion of indigenous fish subspecies, species or families, life-history stages, species interactions and/or populations that are representative of wetland benefits and/or values and thereby contributes to global biological diversity. 8 An important source of food for fish, spawning ground, nursery and/or migration path on which fish stocks, either within the wetland or elsewhere, depend. 9 Regularly supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or subspecies of wetland-dependent non-avian animal species.
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Appendix C Interest Feature Abbreviations
Table C1 SAC Features and Abbreviations
Feature Name Abbreviation Active raised bogs Active raised bogs Alkaline fens Alkaline fens Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior Alluvial forests (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) Alosa alosa Allis shad Alosa fallax Twaite shad Alpine and Boreal heaths Alpine and Boreal heaths Alpine and subalpine calcareous grasslands Alpine and subalpine calcareous grasslands Alpine pioneer formations of the Caricion bicoloris- Alpine pioneer formations atrofuscae Anisus vorticulus Ramshorn snail Annual vegetation of drift lines Annual vegetation of drift lines Apium repens Creeping marshwort Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests Beech forests on neutral to rich soils Atlantic acidophilous beech forests with Ilex and Beech forests on acid soils sometimes also Taxus in the shrublayer (Quercion robori- petraeae or Ilici-Fagenion) Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes (Calluno-Ulicetea) Coastal dune heathland Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) Atlantic Salt Meadows Austropotamobius pallipes White-clawed crayfish Barbastella barbastellus Barbastelle bat Blanket bogs Blanket bog Bog woodland Bog woodland Buxbaumia viridis Green shield-moss Calaminarian grasslands of the Violetalia calaminariae Grassland on heavy metal-rich soils
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Feature Name Abbreviation Calcareous and calcshist screes of the montane to alpine Calcareous scree levels (Thlaspietea rotundifolii) Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Calcareous fens Caricion davallianae Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation Calcareous rocky slopes Caledonian forest Caledonian forest Caves not open to the public Caves not open to the public Coastal dunes with Juniperus spp. Dunes with juniper thickets Coastal lagoons Coastal lagoons Cobitis taenia Spined loach Coenagrion mercuriale Southern Damselfly Cottus gobio Bullhead Cypripedium calceolus Lady`s-slipper orchid Decalcified fixed dunes with Empetrum nigrum Decalcified fixed dunes with crowberry Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration Degraded raised bog Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion Depressions on peat substrates Drepanocladus (Hamatocaulis) vernicosus Slender green feather-moss Dry Atlantic coastal heaths with Erica vagans Dry coastal heaths Dunes with Hippophae rhamnoides Dunes with sea-buckthorn Dunes with Salix repens ssp. argentea (Salicion arenariae) Dunes with creeping willow Embryonic shifting dunes Embryonic shifting dunes Estuaries Estuaries Euphydryas (Eurodryas, Hypodryas) aurinia Marsh fritillary butterfly European dry heaths Dry heaths Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation ("grey dunes") Grey dunes Gentianella anglica Early gentian Halichoerus grypus Grey seal Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters Chara spp. Humid dune slacks Humid dune slacks
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Feature Name Abbreviation Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of Hydrophilous tall herb the montane to alpine levels communities Inland dunes with open Corynephorus and Agrostis Inland dunes grasslands Inland salt meadows Inland saltmarshes Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous Juniper on heaths and calcareous grasslands grasslands Lampetra fluviatilis River Lamprey Lampetra planeri Brook lamprey Large shallow inlets and bays Large shallow inlets and bays Limestone pavements Limestone pavements Limoniscus violaceus Violet click beetle Liparis loeselii Fen orchid Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba Lowland hay meadows officinalis) Lucanus cervus Stag beetle Luronium natans Floating water-plantain Lutra lutra Otter Machairs Machair Margaritifera margaritifera Freshwater pearl mussel Marsupella profunda Western rustwort Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophilous scrubs Mediterranean saltmarsh scrub (Sarcocornetea fruticosi) Mediterranean temporary ponds Mediterranean temporary ponds Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt-laden Purple moor-grass meadows soils (Molinion caeruleae) Mountain hay meadows Mountain hay meadows Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low Mudflats and sandflats tide Myotis bechsteini Bechstein`s bat Najas flexilis Slender naiad Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds Natural dystrophic lakes
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Feature Name Abbreviation Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Natural eutrophic lakes Hydrocharition-type vegetation Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix Wet heaths Old acidophilous oak woods with Quercus robur on sandy Dry oak-dominated woodland plains Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the Western acidic oak woodland British Isles Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with Oligotrophic to mesotrophic vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoëto- standing waters Nanojuncetea Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy Nutrient-poor shallow waters plains (Littorelletalia uniflorae) Perennial vegetation of stony banks Perennial vegetation of stony banks Petalophyllum ralfsii Petalwort Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) Petrifying springs with tufa Petromyzon marinus Sea lamprey Phoca vitulina Common seal Phocoena phocoena Harbour porpoise Reefs Reefs Rhinolophus ferrumequinum Greater horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros Lesser Horseshoe Bat Rumex rupestris Shore dock Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand Salicornia and other annuals Salmo salar Atlantic salmon Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the Sandbanks time Saxifraga hirculus Marsh saxifrage Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies: on Calcareous dry grassland and calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia) scrub Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria White dunes ("white dunes") Siliceous alpine and boreal grasslands Siliceous alpine and boreal grasslands
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Feature Name Abbreviation Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation Siliceous rocky slopes Siliceous scree of the montane to snow levels Siliceous scree (Androsacetalia alpinae and Galeopsietalia ladani) Spartina swards (Spartinion maritimae) Spartina swards Species-rich Nardus grassland, on siliceous substrates in Species-rich Nardus grassland mountain areas (and submountain areas in continental Europe) Stable xerothermophilous formations with Buxus Natural box scrub sempervirens on rock slopes (Berberidion p.p.) Sub-Arctic Salix spp. scrub Mountain willow scrub Sub-Atlantic and medio-European oak or oak-hornbeam Oak-hornbeam forests forests of the Carpinion betuli Submarine structures made by leaking gases Submarine structures made by leaking gases Submerged or partially submerged sea caves Sea caves Taxus baccata woods of the British Isles Taxus baccata woods Temperate Atlantic wet heaths with Erica ciliaris and Erica Atlantic wet heath tetralix Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines Tilio-Acerion forests Transition mires and quaking bogs Transition mires and quaking bogs Trichomanes speciosum Killarney fern Triturus cristatus Great crested newt Turloughs Turloughs Tursiops truncatus Bottlenose dolphin Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts Vegetated sea cliffs Vertigo angustior Narrow-mouthed whorl snail Vertigo genesii Round-mouthed whorl snail Vertigo geyeri Geyer`s whorl snail Vertigo moulinsiana Desmoulin`s whorl snail Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Water courses with Ranunculus- Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation type vegetation
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Table C1 SPA Features and Abbreviations
Feature Name Abbreviation Acrocephalus paludicola Aquatic warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Sedge warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Reed warbler Actitis hypoleucos Common sandpiper Alca torda Razorbill Alcedo atthis Kingfisher Anas acuta Pintail Anas clypeata Shoveler Anas crecca Teal Anas penelope Wigeon Anas platyrhynchos Mallard Anas querquedula Garganey Anas strepera Gadwall Anser albifrons albifrons White-fronted goose Anser albifrons flavirostris Greenland white-fronted goose Anser anser Greylag goose Anser brachyrhynchus Pink-footed goose Anser fabalis fabalis Taiga bean goose Aquila chrysaetos Golden eagle Arenaria interpres Turnstone Asio flammeus Short-eared owl Aythya ferina Pochard Aythya fuligula Tufted duck Aythya marila Scaup Botaurus stellaris Bittern Branta bernicla bernicla Dark-bellied brent goose Branta bernicla hrota Light-bellied brent goose Branta leucopsis Barnacle goose
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Feature Name Abbreviation Breeding bird assemblage Breeding bird assemblage Bucephala clangula Goldeneye Burhinus oedicnemus Stone-curlew Calidris alba Sanderling Calidris alpina alpina Dunlin (ssp. alpina) Calidris alpina schinzii Dunlin (ssp. schinzii) Calidris canutus Knot Calidris maritima Purple sandpiper Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar Carduelis flavirostris Twite Catharacta skua Great skua Cepphus grylle Black guillemot Charadrius hiaticula Ringed plover Charadrius morinellus Dotterel Circus aeruginosus Marsh harrier Circus cyaneus Hen harrier Clangula hyemalis Long-tailed duck Coturnix coturnix Common quail Crex crex Corn crake Cygnus columbianus bewickii Bewick's swan Cygnus cygnus Whooper swan Cygnus olor Mute swan Egretta garzetta Little egret Emberiza schoeniclus Reed bunting Falco columbarius Merlin Falco peregrinus Peregrine falcon Falco subbuteo Hobby Fratercula arctica Puffin Fulica atra Common coot Fulmarus glacialis Fulmar
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Feature Name Abbreviation Gallinago gallinago Snipe Gallinula chloropus Moorhen Gavia arctica Black-throated diver Gavia stellata Red-throated diver Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher Hydrobates pelagicus Storm-petrel Larus argentatus Herring gull Larus canus Common gull Larus fuscus Lesser black-backed gull Larus marinus Great black-backed gull Larus minutus Little gull Larus melanocephalus Mediterranean gull Larus ridibundus Black-headed gull Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed godwit Limosa limosa islandica Black-tailed godwit Locustella luscinioides Savi's warbler Locustella naevia Grasshopper warbler Loxia scotica Scottish crossbill Lullula arborea Wood lark Melanitta fusca Velvet scoter Melanitta nigra Common scoter Mergus merganser Goosander Mergus serrator Red-breasted merganser Milvus milvus Red kite Morus bassanus Gannet Numenius arquata Curlew Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa Leach’s storm-petrel Oenanthe oenanthe Wheatear Pandion haliaetus Osprey
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Feature Name Abbreviation Pernis apivorus Honey buzzard Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant Phalaropus lobatus Red-necked phalarope Philomachus pugnax Ruff Phylloscopus sibilatrix Wood warbler Pluvialis apricaria Golden plover Pluvialis squatarola Grey plover Podiceps auritus Slavonian grebe Podiceps cristatus Great crested grebe Porzana porzana Spotted crake Puffinus puffinus Manx shearwater Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Chough Rallus aquaticus Water rail Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet Rissa tridactyla Kittiwake Saxicola rubetra Whinchat Seabird assemblage Seabird assemblage Somateria mollissima Common eider Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic skua Sterna albifrons Little tern Sterna dougallii Roseate tern Sterna hirundo Common tern Sterna paradisaea Arctic tern Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich tern Sylvia undata Dartford warbler Tadorna tadorna Shelduck Tetrao urogallus Capercaillie Tringa glareola Wood sandpiper Tringa nebularia Greenshank
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Feature Name Abbreviation Tringa totanus Redshank Troglodytes troglodytes fridariensis Fair Isle wren Turdus torquatus Ring ouzel Uria aalge Guillemot Vanellus vanellus Lapwing Waterfowl assemblage Waterfowl assemblage