Nature protection in permitting and inspection of industrial installations – Implementation of Art. 6(3) of the Habitats Directive (phase 1, 2 & 3)

This report by the IMPEL network examines the implementation of Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive, which aims to protect Natura 2000 sites from industrial activities. It focuses on permitting and inspection procedures for industrial installations, analyzing application documents, permit conditions, follow-up measures, and best practice examples

This report, a follow-up to the 2014 report, provides guidance for permit and nature conservation authorities on applying Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive, specifically to pig and poultry farms and wind energy projects. It includes information on legal background, impact assessments, strategic planning, and inspection procedures.

This report/tool focuses especially on clarification of screening criteria, assessment of significant effects, the assessment of cumulative impacts and, if possible mechanisms put in place to check compliance with permit conditions regarding mitigation measures established under Art. 6(3). In relation to dealing with Natura 2000 in permitting and inspection of industrial installations the project identified some good practices as described in the report.