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EU Directive 2001/42/EC, requires a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for all plans and programmes that will give rise to a likely significant impact on the environment.
SEA is a method for systematically assessing the likely effects of plans and programmes on the environment and for integrating environmental considerations into plan preparation. The core requirements of the Directive are:
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preparation of an Environmental Report, which describes the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the plan, including alternatives
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consultation with environmental authorities and the public on the scope and content of the Environmental Report
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account to be taken of the Environmental Report in decision-making
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monitoring of the plan's significant environmental effects.
Falkirk Council has produced an Environmental Report for the finalised Falkirk Council Local Plan (FCLP). It assesses all the policies and proposals contained in the FCLP against a set of ten environmental stock criteria. The criteria were adapted from the Structure Plan's Environmental Appraisal. The assessment is recorded in a series of proformas and matrices showing the detailed impact against each criterion, and also records alternatives and recommends mitigation measures.
The Council approved Proposed Pre-Inquiry Modifications to the Local Plan in April 2008. These have been subjected to Strategic Environmental Assessment and an Addendum to the Environmental Report produced which identifies amendments to the Report arising out of the modifications. Comments on the Addendum are invited by 4th July 2008.
The Council approved further Proposed Pre-Inquiry Modifications to the Local Plan entitled "Supplement 1: Hillend Farm, Slamannan." in June 2008. These have been subjected to Strategic Environmental Assessment and a further Addendum to the Environmental Report produced which identifies amendments to the Report arising out of the modifications.