Local Development Framework - Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report Consultation

Sustainability Appraisal is central to the planning system and its purpose is to promote sustainable development through the integration of social, environmental and economic considerations into the preparation of new planning documents. The process will test the overall strategy and each policy against sustainability objectives which have been agreed, subject to this consultation.

When preparing plans and programmes it is also a requirement that Local Planning Authorities conduct an environmental assessment in accordance with the requirements of European Directive 2001/42/EC to assess the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment. Government guidance states that Sustainability Appraisal must incorporate the requirements of the SEA directive.

The first stage of Sustainability Appraisal is the preparation of a scoping report which sets the context and sustainability objectives, establishes baseline data and decides on the scope.  This scoping report has been prepared by Land Use Consultants for Welwyn Hatfield borough. The Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report will initially be used as a basis for assessing the sustainability of the Welwyn Hatfield Core Strategy Development Plan Document (DPD).

Comments on the Scoping report are now welcomed; the links to the documents are below.  SA Scoping Report & Appendices 1-3    Appendix 4 - Topic Papers  Appendix 5 - Plans & Programmes Review

Please contact us on 01707 357532 if you would prefer a paper copy. Alternatively the documents can be viewed at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council's offices at Campus East, Welwyn Garden City between the hours of 9am and 5pm (Mon-Thurs) and from 9am to 4.30pm on Fridays.

The closing date for comments is 5pm on Tuesday 27 May 2008. The main scoping report contains a number of questions listed below to which we would particularly welcome responses.

1. In light of the scope of the Local Development Framework, are there any additional relevant strategies, plans, programmes or other policy documents that should be taken into account?
2. Have the key messages from the review of relevant strategies, plans, programmes and other policy documents been correctly identified? If not, which additional key messages should be addressed?
3. Are there any other key sources of data or information that are missing? If so, please provide the data source.
4. Are you aware of any inaccuracies in the baseline data shown in the report? If so, please provide the correct data.
5. Do you agree with the key sustainability issues that have been identified for the Welwyn Hatfield Local Development Framework? are there any key sustainability issues that are missing, or that need amending?
6. Has the influence of the Local Development Framework (LDF) on the sustainability issues been appropriately described? If not, please suggest how the LDF may help to address the sustainability issues.
7. Are the sustainability objectives and appraisal questions/criteria in the SA Framework appropriate? Are there any questions/criteria that are missing, or that need amending?

The comments you submit will help to identify if there are any significant gaps in the information in the scoping report, identify if there are any key sustainability issues not included and help to assess if the sustainability objectives and appraisal questions in the Sustainability Appraisal Framework are appropriate.  Any comments submitted will be a matter of public record.

To help us monitor fair access to consultation we would be grateful if you could complete the 'About You' form, see the link below.  Any personal information gathered in this survey will be treated in confidence. No personal information will be passed to a third party. 'About You' form

 If you would like to be notified of future consultation please let us know on 01707 357532.

Comments can be submitted in writing by the deadline of 5pm Tuesday 27 May 2008 to:

Mr C.J. Conway, Chief Planning and Environmental Health Officer, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6AE.

Or by email to: planningpolicy@welhat.gov.uk