Habitat Regulations Assessment

Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) Support for Planning

A Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) identifies and evaluates the potential effects of proposed developments on internationally important protected sites (such as Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and Ramsar sites), ensuring compliance with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations.

Ecosupport provides professional assessment reports and advice to support planning submissions and to inform the Habitat Regulations Assessment process. Our assessments are prepared to assist planning authorities and project teams, rather than replace the formal statutory determination required under the legislation.

What is a Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA)?

A Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) is a structured ecological assessment used to determine whether a proposed plan or project is likely to have significant effects on internationally designated protected sites, such as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), and Ramsar wetlands.

The purpose of an HRA is to ensure that development proposals comply with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations and avoid, mitigate, or prevent adverse effects on protected habitats and species of European or international importance.

By conducting an HRA early in the planning process, developers can identify ecological risks, implement mitigation measures, and increase the likelihood of a smooth planning approval.

Our assessments are designed to inform planning submissions. The formal HRA decision, including screening and any Appropriate Assessment, is made by the competent authority (e.g. the Local Planning Authority) based on the information submitted.

When is a Habitat Regulations Assessment required?

An HRA assessment is commonly needed as part of planning submissions where internationally protected sites could be affected. We can help prepare the ecological information and assessment that planning authorities need to carry out their formal decision.

You should consider an HRA if your project:

  • Is located within or near a protected site

  • Could impact habitats or species of European or international importance

  • Has indirect pathways to protected sites, such as changes to water flow, air emissions, or increased human activity

  • Forms part of a larger plan or development that could collectively affect sensitive ecological areas

Early HRA screening is recommended to determine whether a full assessment is required. This not only supports compliance with UK legislation but also helps prevent delays in the planning process.

Contact us to discuss to discuss your project with one of our senior team now!

  • Adam Jessop

    Principal Ecologist - Director

  • Lyndsey Barratt

    Principal Ecologist

  • Gareth Ainscough

    Principal Ecologist

Our HRA Support Process

Our role is to prepare Habitat Regulations Assessment support reports that provide planning authorities with the ecological information required to carry out their statutory assessment.

Our process is proportionate to the scale and location of the development and typically includes:

We review your project details and site context to determine whether it could have significant effects on protected sites. Screening identifies whether a full HRA is required or if no further assessment is necessary.

1. HRA Screening

2. Appropriate Assessment (where needed)

If screening indicates potential impacts, we conduct a detailed assessment of the effects on site features, qualifying species, and habitats. This includes evaluating the likelihood and significance of any adverse effects.

Where impacts are identified, we recommend practical mitigation, avoidance, or compensation measures. This can include design changes, construction protocols, monitoring, and management strategies to protect sensitive sites.

3. Mitigation and Avoidance Measures

We produce a clear, planning-ready report summarising the assessment, conclusions, and recommended actions. Reports are designed to support planning submissions and consultations with statutory bodies.

4. HRA Report Preparation

We can assist with responses to planning authority queries, condition discharge, and monitoring, ensuring that your project continues to comply with regulations throughout its lifecycle.

5. Ongoing Support

Nitrate Neutrality in the Solent

In 2019, all development was halted within the Solent region due to the impact on the internationally-recognised designated sites located along the coast. Excessive nutrient input (primarily nitrogen) caused significant algae growth, known as eutrophication, adversely impacting designated habitats around the Solent.

Based on advice from Natural England, development would result in an increase in wastewater, which could further adversely impact the designated sites. While various stakeholders led by the Partnership for South Hampshire (PfSH) are finding long-term solutions to this problem, all developments that will drain into the Solent must now meet “nitrate neutrality” requirements to obtain planning permission.

Ecosupport can undertake these calculations to determine if the development will result in a positive nitrogen input into the environment and if so, we can recommend nitrogen mitigation solutions and work with the various stakeholders to ensure the development can achieve nitrogen neutrality to obtain planning permission.

What Our HRA Reports Include

Our Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) reports are designed to support planning submissions and guide decision-making. They provide a clear, structured overview of your project’s potential effects on protected sites, helping developers, planners, and stakeholders understand ecological risks and recommended measures.

Our HRA reports compile the ecological information and assessment typically required by planning authorities to inform their Habitat Regulations Assessment.

Appropriate assessment findings – detailed evaluation of potential impacts on designated sites

Each report typically includes:

Mitigation and avoidance recommendations – practical strategies to reduce or prevent adverse effects

Site description and ecological context – overview of habitats, species, and protected features

Screening results – determination of whether a full HRA is required

Conclusions and next steps – clear guidance for planning submissions and regulatory compliance

Our reports are written to be planning authority-ready, providing actionable information and reducing the likelihood of delays or requests for further information.

Why Choose Ecosupport for Your Habitat Regulations Assessment

Ecosupport provides Habitat Regulations Assessments that are clear, proportionate, and tailored to your project, helping you navigate planning requirements with confidence. Our experienced ecologists understand how HRAs are reviewed by local planning authorities and statutory consultees, ensuring reports are prepared with real-world decision-making in mind.

We focus on practical outcomes, identifying potential risks early and advising on mitigation and avoidance measures that support compliance while keeping projects moving forward. From initial screening through to appropriate assessment and post-submission support, we work collaboratively with clients to reduce delays and uncertainty.

Request you HRA quote

FAQ’s

  • No. A HRA is only required where a development has the potential to affect protected sites, either directly or indirectly. An initial HRA screening can confirm whether a full assessment is necessary.

  • HRA screening identifies whether a project is likely to have significant effects on a protected site. If potential effects are identified, a more detailed appropriate assessment is carried out to examine impacts and mitigation measures in greater detail.

  • Yes. Where potential impacts are identified, an HRA can include mitigation and avoidance measures designed to prevent adverse effects on protected sites. These measures are often key to supporting planning approval.

  • No. We prepare professional ecological assessment reports to support planning applications and inform the competent authority’s Habitat Regulations Assessment. The final statutory decision is made by the relevant authority.