Special Area of Conservation / Special Protection Area
Protected nature sites
SACs (Special Areas of Conservation) protect rare habitats and species. SPAs (Special Protection Areas) protect rare and vulnerable birds. Both are part of the Natura 2000 network with very strict environmental protection.
What This Means
This property is within or near a SAC or SPA - European-level protected sites for rare wildlife, plants, or habitats. These have some of the strictest planning controls in the UK.
Practical Advice
- Planning permission extremely difficult near SACs/SPAs
- Habitats Regulations Assessment required for any development
- Cannot disturb protected species or damage habitats
- May restrict activities like dog walking in some areas
- Living near exceptional wildlife and nature
- Development will likely be refused if it affects the site
Key Points
- What it is: Protected sites for rare species, birds, and habitats
- SACs protect habitats like heathland, wetlands, rare plants
- SPAs protect breeding, feeding, or migrating birds
- Part of Natura 2000 European network
- Planning requires environmental impact assessment
- Cannot harm protected species (bats, newts, birds, etc.)
- Heavy penalties for disturbing protected wildlife
- UK maintains protections despite Brexit
Additional Information
SACs and SPAs are the UK's most important wildlife sites with European-level protection. Living nearby means exceptional nature but very limited development rights.
Data Source: Natural England and JNCC (Joint Nature Conservation Committee)
Learn More on Official Website