ECJ ruling delays examination

The ruling in People Over Wind and Sweetman v Coillte Teoranta stated that the effectiveness of measures to mitigate the impact of plans or projects on sites protected by the EU habitats directive should be tested through a full appropriate assessment, rather than relying on likely significant impacts being “screened out” at an earlier stage.

All Neighbourhood Plans currently being examined are being held up while examiners consider the implications for NPs.