How to Check If Your Property Is Near a Site of Special Scientific Interest

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are areas protected for their wildlife, geology, or other natural features. There are over 4,100 SSSIs in England, covering about 8% of the land area. If one is near your property, it can affect planning applications, building work, and even routine land management.

Here's how to check.

Method 1: Use our free planning constraints tool

The Planning Constraints Map shows SSSIs from Natural England data.

1. Open the Planning Constraints Map
2. Search for your postcode or address
3. Check the results panel for SSSI entries
4. SSSI boundaries are shown on the map

The tool searches within 500 metres of your location, so you'll see nearby SSSIs even if your property isn't directly within one.

Method 2: Check Natural England's MAGIC Map

The official MAGIC Map from Natural England shows all SSSI boundaries. You can search by postcode or browse the map. Each SSSI has a citation document describing why it was designated and what features are protected.

You can also check the condition of the SSSI — Natural England assesses SSSIs regularly and publishes the results, showing whether each unit is in favourable, unfavourable, or declining condition.

Method 3: Local Authority Search and environmental reports

The Local Authority Search (CON29) during conveyancing will flag nearby SSSIs. Your solicitor may also commission an environmental search report that identifies SSSIs and other ecological designations.

What is a SSSI?

A Site of Special Scientific Interest is an area designated by Natural England under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 for its biological or geological interest. SSSIs are the building blocks of nature conservation in England — many other designations (Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas, National Nature Reserves) are underpinned by SSSI status.

SSSIs can be designated for:

• Habitats — ancient woodland, lowland heath, chalk grassland, wetlands, sand dunes
• Species — breeding colonies of birds, populations of rare plants, bat roosts, invertebrate communities
• Geology — exposed rock formations, fossil sites, landforms of scientific importance

How SSSIs affect planning

Development within a SSSI

Development within a SSSI is heavily restricted. Planning applications that could damage the interest features of a SSSI will be refused unless the benefits clearly outweigh the harm. Natural England is a statutory consultee on applications affecting SSSIs and will object to proposals they consider damaging.

If your property is actually within a SSSI boundary, this is a significant constraint on development. Even minor works like installing a new access track, changing drainage, or removing vegetation could require consent from Natural England.

Development near a SSSI

Even if your property is outside the SSSI boundary, development nearby can affect it. The council and Natural England will consider potential impacts such as:

• Increased runoff or pollution entering the SSSI via watercourses or groundwater
• Disturbance to wildlife from noise, lighting, or human activity
• Air quality changes from increased traffic or industrial emissions
• Recreational pressure from new housing bringing more visitors to a sensitive site

For development near a SSSI, the council may require an ecological assessment to evaluate potential impacts and propose mitigation measures.

Impact Risk Zones

Natural England publishes Impact Risk Zones (IRZs) around SSSIs. These define buffer zones where different types of development trigger a consultation with Natural England. The zones vary depending on the sensitivity of the SSSI and the type of development proposed.

Your local planning authority uses IRZs to decide when to consult Natural England. Our constraints tool shows the SSSI boundaries themselves, helping you understand proximity.

Operations requiring Natural England's consent

If your land is within a SSSI, Natural England publishes a list of "Operations Likely to Damage" (OLD list) specific to that site. Before carrying out any operation on the list, you must give Natural England 28 days' notice and obtain their consent.

Operations on the list might include:

• Burning, cutting, or removing vegetation
• Applying fertiliser, lime, or pesticide
• Draining, damming, or diverting water
• Ploughing or cultivating
• Constructing roads, tracks, or buildings
• Dumping or spreading materials

What if you're a homeowner with a garden bordering a SSSI?

If your garden directly borders a SSSI, the main practical considerations are:

• Planning applications for extensions or outbuildings may trigger consultation with Natural England
• Garden activities — routine gardening is fine, but major changes (clearing vegetation, altering drainage, introducing non-native species) near the SSSI boundary should be done sensitively
• Lighting — external lighting that illuminates the SSSI could disturb wildlife, particularly if bats or breeding birds are present

For most homeowners with gardens near but not inside a SSSI, the impact on day-to-day activities is minimal. The constraints primarily affect planning applications and significant land-use changes.

Summary

Three ways to check for SSSIs near your property:

1. Quickest — Use the Planning Constraints Map for instant results
2. Official mapping — Use Natural England's MAGIC Map
3. During purchase — Environmental searches and the Local Authority Search identify nearby SSSIs

If a SSSI is nearby, it primarily affects planning applications — the council and Natural England will assess potential impacts. If your land is actually within a SSSI, the restrictions are much more significant.