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Habitats Directive Review of Consents

Between 2000 and March 2010 we reviewed all permissions that we granted before the Habitats Regulations came into force. We called this the Review of Consents.

Why did we have to review our permissions?

The Environment Agency, and our predecessors, granted many permissions to control emissions to air, land and water before the Habitats Directive came into force in 1992. We were required to review the impacts of all permissions that had been granted without consideration of the Habitats Directive.

Who was involved?

We worked with permit holders ranging from individuals to large industries. We also worked with Natural England, the Countryside Council for Wales and voluntary conservation organisations.  

What have we done?

We have greatly improved our understanding of protected sites. New standards and guidelines for protecting habitats and species will protect biodiversity. 

Some of the many outcomes from changes to existing permits include:

  • Secured improvements to 40,000 hectares of protected sites in England and Wales.
  • Stopping lamprey being trapped on water intakes on the Humber Estuary.
  • Preventing nightjars on Dorset Heathlands Special Protection Area (SPA) being affected by irregular loud noises.
  • Radio tracking salmon on the River Eden Special Area of Conservation (SAC) to understand the spring migrations.
  • Studying 39 terrestrial sites and completing 175 scientific studies.

Would you like to know more?

Our report Habitats Directive: We have created a better place will be available on our publications catalogue from the 31 March 2010.

  • Site fact sheets

    More information on Natura 2000 sites and our Review of Consents.