Strategic environmental assessment

Introduction

Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is a formal environmental assessment of certain plans and programmes which are likely to have significant effects on the environment. The objective of the assessment process is to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and integrate environmental considerations into the development of plans and programmes.

SEA is governed by the:

•
Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004, SI 2004/1633 in England (the English SEA Regulations), and
•
Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes (Wales) Regulations 2004, SI 2004/1656 in Wales (the Welsh SEA Regulations)

together the ‘SEA Regulations’.

See Practice Note: Strategic Environmental Assessment.

The SEA Regulations transpose into English and Welsh law the provisions of the Archived Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment (as it had effect immediately before IP completion day (11 pm on 31 December 2020)). For information on how Brexit has impacted the SEA regime, see Practice Note: Brexit—the implications for English and Welsh planning law and practice.

Mandatory strategic environmental assessment

Plans and programmes for which mandatory environmental

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