HRA Framework for the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire

Client: Partnership for Urban South Hampshire

In 2007, members of our team were appointed to prepare a framework of advice for carrying out HRAs for land use plans, to support competent authorities which are part of the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire. PUSH consists of eleven local authorities in along the south Hampshire coast.

Due to spatial extent of PUSH and the highly valued ecological assets of south Hampshire and surrounding landscapes, the scope of the Framework extended to 36 sites of international nature conservation importance.

In order to keep the Framework live and up to date, a web-based tool was established. This included key data on the designated sites (including qualifying features, conservation objectives, vulnerabilities and opportunities) as well as information on the types of plans, projects or activities which could be likely to affect the sites.

In addition to this extensive collection of baseline information, databases were prepared to provide details of management organisations, plans and projects being prepared in the area, examples of good practice and links to other sources of information.

A central aspect of the Framework was a step by step guide to preparing the early stages of HRA, with links to document templates and sources of information. Advice was also provided on how to approach an Appropriate Assessment.

A series of workshops and training sessions were held in order to build the capacity of local authority planners and ecologists in how best to use the information, and complete assessments under the Habitats Regulations.