5. National documentsNational documents Reference Type of document Evidence Document 5.1 Report National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) - Dec-23 5.2 Report Planning Practice Guidance (Web Resource) 5.3 Report National Design Guide - Jan-21 5.4 Act Town and Country Planning Act (1990) - 1990 5.5 Regulations Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) (“the Habitat Regulations”) - 2017 5.6 Act Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 - 2004 5.7 Act Section 19 (1B-E) Planning and Compulsory Act 2004 - 2004 5.8 Act Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 - 1981 5.9 Act The Protection of Badgers Act - 1992 5.10 Act Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC Act) 2006 - 2006 5.11 Regulations Town and Country Planning (Tree Preservation) (England) Regulations 2012 - 2012 5.12 Regulations The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 - 1997 5.13 Act The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 - 1949 5.14 Directive Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (as amended) (Habitats) - 1992 5.15 Directive Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (Birds Directive) - 1979 5.16 Regulations Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (as amended) (EIA Regulations 2017) - 2017 5.17 Regulations The Environment Act 2021 (Commencement No. 8 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2024 (BNG Regulations 2024) - 2024 5.18 Report UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) 1994 - 1994 Previous:4. The Development plans and SPDNext:6. Technical guidance produced by other agencies