Advice for planning authorities on agricultural developments within river SACs

Read general planning advice for development proposals in river SACs

The following construction activities must undergo an appropriate assessment under the Habitat Regulations as they are considered to have a likely significant effect on SAC features:

• Livestock housing – proposals that will substantially alter buildings (e.g. replacement/extension (upgrade) - for all livestock types
• Livestock housing (new building) - all livestock types
• Machinery / any other type of storage shed
• Facilities and buildings for treatment of manure, slurries and other organic manures e.g. anaerobic digestion or composting
• New or substantially altered manure / slurry store - all manure types including other 'organic manures' for example digestate or compost
• Silage clamp
• Constructed Farm Wetlands
• Lightly fouled water reception pit
• Horticultural development
• Tracks / roading
• Stables
• Livestock handling facilities

The following will be considered not to have a likely significant effect on SAC features and therefore need no further action under the Habitat Regulations:

• Cover over existing yard
• Manure / slurry storage roofing
• Ponds / reservoirs for uncontaminated water storage for irrigation / conservation purposes. (Excludes constructed wetlands receiving dirty/fouled water)

Any development must be fully compliant with current regulations for activities relevant to agricultural practices, and within management good practice guidance, for example the Code of good agricultural practice on Gov.wales.