Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

HRA definition

What does HRA mean? HRA is used in legal practice to refer to: 1) The Human Rights Act 1998, the UK statute giving effect to ECHR rights in domestic law. It requires courts to interpret legislation compatibly where possible (section 3), makes it unlawful for public authorities to act incompatibly (section 6), and enables claims and declarations of incompatibility (sections 7 and 4). It applies in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; Ireland uses the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003. 2) Habitats Regulations Assessment, the screening and, where needed, Appropriate Assessment of plans and projects for likely significant effects on European sites (SACs/SPAs)....

Habitats Regulations Assessment for European Sites: Screening, Appropriate Assessment, Mitigation, Cumulative Effects and Derogations (IROPI and Compensatory Measures)—Practitioner Checklist

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Practice notes

Introduction

The Habitats Regulations Assessment (hra) requires the evaluation of any ‘plans or projects’ that could have a ‘likely significant effect’ on a European site. Such proposals may proceed only when the competent authority is satisfied they will not result in an ‘adverse effect on the integrity of a European site’. Where adverse effects are found, or where their consequences remain uncertain, permission can be given solely if particular ‘derogations’ apply. See Practice Notes: Implementation of the EU Habitats Directive in England and Wales and Appropriate assessment/habitats regulations assessment.

Screening Is the proposed activity a 'plan or project'?

The HRA applies only where the proposal amounts to a ‘plan or project’. Although the legislation does not define these expressions, they are commonly afforded a very broad interpretation, encompassing a wide range of activities and circumstances. If the proposal is not a plan or project, there is no requirement to carry out screening to decide whether an appropriate assessment is needed. However, separate authorisations—such as planning permission—may still be necessary. See Practice Note: Appropriate assessment/habitats regulations assessment—Determining whether the activity is a ‘plan’ or a ‘project’...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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