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LDF - Sustainability Appraisal

Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environment Assessment

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a systematic process for evaluating the environmental consequences of proposed policies, plans or programmes to ensure environmental issues are fully integrated and addressed at the earliest appropriate stage of decision making. Sustainability Appraisals (SA) are broader and promote sustainable development through integration of environmental, social and economic considerations into the plan's preparation.

Strategic Environmental Assessment has been introduced to the UK through the EU Directive 2001/42/EC, and in England the Directive has been implemented via the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004. In addition, Sustainability Appraisal (SA) is a requirement of Planning Policy Statement 12 (ODPM, September 2004). Recent guidance (Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Frameworks. ODPM, November 2005) has merged this process to allow for a single joint appraisal to be carried out (SA/SEA).

The basic principles behind the merged SA/SEA process are to:

• Start early in the formulation of the related plan and run alongside the production of the plan, informing and improving its development;
• Focus on balancing sustainability issues to achieve a win-win outcome;
• Consider alternatives; and
• Involve and consult stakeholders at various stages.

Oswestry Borough Council is carrying out a SA/SEA on plans and strategies currently being developed.

This includes:

Core Strategy Development Plan Document, which will set the long-term vision, objectives and strategy for the spatial development of the Borough.

Site Allocations Development Plan Document, which details specific sites required to deliver the aims and allocations set out in the Core Strategy.

They will provide a framework for ensuring that future development meets the needs of people living and working in an area, whilst at the same time ensuring that it is sited in such a way to protect the environment.

Scoping Report Consultation

The Sustainability Appraisal Draft Scoping Report for the following DPDs is now available to download below:

• Core Strategy;
• Development Control; and
• Site Allocations.

Consultation was held between 7th June and 19th July 2006 and a summary of the representations received can be downloaded below.

A revised final Scoping Report will be published for consultation in late 2006.

If you have any questions regarding the SA process or the Sustainability Appraisal Draft Scoping Report please do not hesitate to contact Forward Planning and Conservation on 01691 677267 or LocalPlan@oswestry-bc.gov.uk.