What are the “three tests”
As derogations from statutory legislation, European protected species licence need to meet strict tests before they can be issued.
In determining whether or not to grant a licence, Natural England is legally bound to use the so-called “three tests”. These three tests are :
- Test #1: show that the purpose of the licence has a valid basis;
- Test #2: show that there are no reasonable options with lower impacts; and that
- Test #3: show that granting the licence won’t cause long-term impacts on the species concerned.