SSSI Impact Risk Zones (England)

The Impact Risk Zones for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI IRZs) are for local planning authorities (LPAs) to determine if a proposed development is likely to affect a terrestrial SSSI and when to consult Natural England.

The SSSI IRZs are a Geographical Information System (GIS) tool developed by Natural England to make rapid initial assessment of the potential risks posed by development proposals to SSSIs and those Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) or Ramsar sites that they underpin. They define zones around each site which reflect the sensitivities of the features for which the site is notified and indicate the types of development proposal which could potentially have adverse impacts and need further consideration. In certain locations they also include Natural England's statutory advice for certain development types.

LPAs can use the SSSI IRZs to consider if a proposed development is likely to affect a terrestrial SSSI and those SACs, SPAs or Ramsar sites that they underpin and when to consult Natural England to seek advice. Where the SSSI IRZs include Natural England's statutory advice or indicate a risk is unlikely, LPAs can use the SSSI IRZs to instantly generate a formal consultation response.