The Habitats Directive: A Developer's Obstacle Course?

The continuing deterioration of Europe's natural habitats and the threats posed to certain species are one of the main concerns of the European Union's environment policy. Much of this is the result of development and agricultural intensification. The EU's Habitats Directive is intended to help maintain biodiversity and restore natural habitats in Member States by defining a common framework for the conservation of wild plants, animals, and habitats of Community interest. In June 2011, the UK said it would "...arrest the decline in habitats and species and the degradation of landscapes." Yet, six months later, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne MP, complained that "gold plating of EU rules on things like habitats" was putting "ridiculous costs" on firms. With the Habitats Directive imposing a strict regime for environmental protection, the English courts have said that it should not become a property developer's obstacle course. Is habitats protection being taken seriously enough or is there a stifling of the much needed sustainable development? This book brings together a unique combination of leading academics and practitioners in the field of European environmental and planning law to address and debate the controversial issues arising from the Habitats Directive. It will be essential for anyone engaged in property development and environmental law.