To comply with the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 (the Regulations), if we determine that a proposed plan or programme, or a modification to an existing plan or programme, is likely to have a significant environmental effect it will need a Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA).

The regulations state that when a plan, programme or modification is considered and it is determined it is unlikely to have a significant environmental effect (and therefore does not require a SEA) we will instead prepare a statement of the reasons for making this determination.

Once this has been determined, we must:

  • send a copy of the determination to each body we consulted with
  • set out a statement of reasons as to why an environmental assessment is not required
  • keep a copy of the determination
  • notify the public

Housing Strategy

We have considered our Housing Strategy and concluded that a SEA is not required. The Housing Strategy addresses the issues of: options for change; evidence based strategy; current recourses and policies; factors promoting change; overall resources; financial assistance; home repair assistance; energy efficiency initiative; empty properties; conversion of underused / redundant spaces; enforcement (housing health & safety rating system and houses in multiple occupation) and engagement with the private sector.
A SEA is not required as the content of this strategy will not directly result in the construction of new housing units and therefore it is not considered it will have significant environmental effect and it is not appropriate to apply the SEA process to the strategy in this instance.
As part of the decision-making process we consulted the Environment Agency, English Nature, English Heritage and the Countryside Agency about both the strategy and the view that an SEA is not required. Replies were received from the Environment Agency and English Nature, who both agree with the decision for the same reason.
This statement represents publication of the decision in compliance with the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004.

Local Plan Strategic Environmental Assessment Determination and Scoping Report

It has been determined that the Hertsmere new Local Plan and its constituent Local Plan Documents are likely to have significant environmental effects.
An Environmental Assessment has been prepared which forms part of the sustainability appraisal of the new Local Plan (formerly known as Local Development Framework (LDF)). In accordance with the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004) and the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (2004) all constituent documents within the new Hertsmere Local Plan require a sustainability appraisal, incorporating a Strategic Environmental Assessment.
The appraisal is an assessment of the sustainability of the new Local Plan objectives and policies, starting with a Scoping Report and culminating in the production of a sustainability appraisal report, which will include predicted effects on sustainability of the emerging Local Plan Documents and details of any subsequent changes made. 

The appraisal is an assessment of the sustainability of our planning objectives and policies. It starts with a scoping report and culminates in a sustainability appraisal report, which will include predicted effects on sustainability of the emerging policy documents and details of any subsequent changes made.

The scoping report, which was subject to public consultation, sets out the environmental, social and economic criteria on which the assessment of the planning objectives and policies in the Local Plan are to be made.

Read our reports

Relevant legislation