What is a sHRA?

A Shadow Habitats Regulations Assessment (sHRA) is a preliminary screening report that assesses whether a proposed development is likely to have a significant effect on a protected habitat site – typically a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Area (SPA) or Ramsar site. The report is submitted to the LPA, which uses it alongside its own Habitats Regulations Assessment. Like the NNAMS, it is frequently a validation requirement for planning applications in affected catchments.