What is SEA?
The SEA process aims to ensure that likely significant environmental effects arising from plans and programmes are identified, assessed, mitigated, communicated and monitored, and that opportunities for public involvement are provided. It enables plan-making authorities to incorporate environmental considerations into decision-making at an early stage and in an integrated way.
The EU Directive (2001/42/EC) is an important advance in planning and environmental law. The objective of the Directive is to:
Provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development.
Transposed into UK legislation in July 2004, the SEA Directive requires an environmental assessment of new plans or programmes in the following sectors: agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, industry, transport, waste, water, telecommunications, tourism and land use planning. Plans likely to require SEA include: LDFs, RSSs, LTPs, National Park and AONB Management Plans, Health Plans, Regional Economic Strategies.
Why Halcrow?
Halcrow are an environmental consultancy with an established track record in undertaking SEA. Our client list includes private and public sector clients, ranging from city councils to international administrations. We bring a wealth of technical expertise, local experience, innovation and a friendly yet professional approach, to deliver to a variety of clients on a wide range of SEA commissions.
We have developed a unique SEA methodology which combines the legal requirements with best practice guidance to develop a robust and flexible approach; a methodology which is integrated, easy to use, and accurate in its application as well as being excellent value.
SEA products and services
SEA is traditionally undertaken in five integrated stages:
A. setting the context and establishing the Baseline.
B. deciding the scope of the SEA and developing strategic alternatives
C. assessing the effects of the plan or programm.
D. consulting and decision-makin.
E. monitoring implementation of the plan or programme
Halcrow offer the following products as part of an integrated SEA service:
- screening
- scoping
- consultation and public participation events planning
- assessment of alternatives
- training and implementation advice
- Town and Country planning
- SEA from start to finish
- individual SEA stages
- advice on the requirements of the SEA Directive (2001/42/EC)
- combined SEA and Sustainability Appraisals (SA).