Environmental Planning concerns itself with the decision making processes where they are required for managing relationships that exist within and between natural systems and human systems. Environmental planning endeavors to manage these processes in an effective, orderly, transparent and equitable manner for the benefit of all constituents within such systems for the present and for the future. Present day environmental planning practices are the result of continuous refinement and expansion of the scope of such decision making processes.
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a process for evaluating, at the earliest appropriate stage, the environmental quality and consequences of policy, plan or programme initiatives by statutory bodies. The purpose is to ensure that the environmental consequences of plans and programmes are assessed both during their preparation and prior to their adoption. It plays a vital role in protecting and improving all of these aspects of the environment and more by ensuring that policy-makers embed environmental considerations into the plans and programmes that they prepare.
Appropriate Assessment (AA) is an assessment of the implications of a proposed plan/project, either individually or in combination with other plans and projects on a Natura 2000 site, Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA), in view of the site’s conservation objectives. Under Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive any plan or project that is likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site, on its own or in combination with other plans and projects, can only be authorised if it will not adversely affect the integrity of that site.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the process by which the anticipated effects on the environment of a proposed development or project are measured. If the likely effects are unacceptable, design measures or other relevant mitigation measures can be taken to reduce or avoid those effects. The findings are collated as EIA and submitted to the competent authority for agreement as an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
The Planning Partnership with its associated expert consultants has significant experience in the environmental planning sector, having successfully delivered such projects for both public and private sector clients.
