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Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

 

The SEA Directive

The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 is the statutory mechanism by which the requirements of the European Directive 2001/42/EC – “On the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment” (known as the Strategic Environmental Assessment or SEA Directive) are delivered in Scotland.

The purpose of the SEA Directive is twofold:

  • firstly it aims to provide for a high level of protection of the environment; and secondly to ensure that environmental considerations are taken into account in the preparation and adoption of plans.

  • This should promote sustainable development as part of the planning process.

The Scottish SEA Regulations

The Scottish Regulations (the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005) emphasis that the purpose of SEA is to ensure that information on the significant environmental effects of a plan, programme or strategy (PPS) is gathered and made available to decision-makers, both during the preparation of the PPS and prior to its adoption. SEA is therefore seen in Scotland as a key component of sustainable development, focused on protecting the environment. It also extends opportunities for participation in public policy decision-making and increases transparency.

Current guidance (specifically the Scottish Executive’s September 2006 Strategic Environmental Assessment Tool Kit) confirms that SEA will be required for all plans and strategies that are likely to have a significant affect on the environment.

Documents

Shetland Islands Council, SEA Corporate Approach, SEA Guide, June 2009

Contacts

Heritage
Infrastructure Services
Grantfield
Lerwick
Shetland

Email: conservation@shetland.gov.uk
Phone: +44 (01595) 744800