Today the OPR launched its first Practice Note (PN01), which provides information and guidance on Appropriate Assessment Screening for Development Management.
PN01 “Appropriate Assessment Screening for Development Management” gives direction on screening for appropriate assessment during the planning application process. It also includes useful templates and addresses issues that commonly arise when carrying out screening.
Appropriate assessment comes from the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), which seeks to safeguard the long-term survival of Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats.
This is the first in a series of planned OPR Practice Notes which are intended to provide information and guidance about specific areas of the planning system for practitioners, elected members and the public.
The need for a practice note on appropriate assessment was identified in the OPR Strategic Planning Research Programme, published in September 2020, following stakeholder engagement and consultation with the National Planning Knowledge Group (NPKG).
Compiling and publishing practices notes is part of the OPR’s statutory remit to engage in education, training and research activities.
Practice notes do not have the status of Ministerial Guidelines under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. They are issued for general information purposes only. Practice notes cannot be relied upon as containing, or as a substitute for, legal advice. Legal or other professional advice on specific issues may be required in any particular case.