Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment

Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment

Two mandatory assessments, a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA), have been undertaken to understand how the draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy may impact the natural environment. 

An SEA is a mandatory process that must be undertaken during the preparation of local plans and spatial development strategies and is driven by the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 (commonly referred to as the ‘SEA Regulations’). This process is an opportunity to consider ways by which the plan can contribute to improvements in environmental, social and economic conditions, as well as a means of identifying and mitigating any potential adverse effects that the plan might otherwise have.

An HRA provides analysis of the potential impacts of the strategy on certain protected wildlife sites, namely those of the highest importance for nature conservation. It is undertaken to ensure biodiversity is not harmed by implementation of policies by Local Authorities.