Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

In accordance with the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004) the emerging Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan is required to be subject to a Sustainability Appraisal (SA). A Sustainability Appraisal seeks to ensure that LDP’s policies and proposals are consistent with the principles of sustainable development.

In addition to the requirement to undertake a SA of the LDP, under European Directive 2001/42/EC, LDPs should also be subject to a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).  SEA is a process to ensure that the significant environmental effects arising from plans and programmes are identified, assessed, mitigated and monitored.

The Welsh Government (WG) advises that for development plans, the requirements of the SEA Directive are best incorporated into the Sustainability Appraisal of a plan.  The statutory requirements of both assessments can be satisfied through the single but integrated Sustainability Appraisal process.

Scoping Report

The Scoping Report represented the first component of the Sustainability Appraisal. Anglesey County Council and Gwynedd Council consulted on the SA Scoping Report for a period of 7 weeks between 21/7/11 and 8/9/11.

Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report

The next stage in the process was to produce an Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report.  This report explains how the appraisal has been undertaken and also how the process has assisted in the development of the JLDP’s Preferred Strategy including the vision, strategic objectives and strategic policies. The report records all the appraisal work undertaken to date.  The Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report was available for consultation alongside the Preferred Strategy document. A non-technical summary of the document was also produced.

The Sustainability Appraisal of the Deposit Plan can be viewed here.

In accordance with the requirements of the SEA Directive and guidance for Sustainability Appraisal, the Councils are required to consult with the Statutory Consultation Bodies (CADW and Natural Resource Wales) as well as other stakeholders and the general public on the contents of the Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report. 

Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA)

Under Regulation 48 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc ) Regulations 1994, the Councils have a responsibility to consider the possible effects of the Plan on Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites. This process is called a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA).

The main purpose of the Regulations is to determine, in view of the sites’ conservation objectives and qualifying features, whether a plan, either in isolation and/or in combination with other plans would have significant adverse effects upon any Ramsar and Natura 2000 sites and hence whether a full Appropriate Assessment would be required.

Before undertaking a full Appropriate Assessment, first of all it is necessary to screen the Plan in order to determine whether such an Assessment is necessary.  A HRA screening report denotes the first step of the HRA process.

A HRA Report hasbeen produced to determine whether the policies and proposals set out in the deposit plan are likely to have a significant effect on European sites, either alone or in-combination with other plans or projects and whether in the light of available avoidance and mitigation measures, an Appropriate Assessment (AA) is necessary. 

Welsh Language Impact Assessment

The Welsh language is an integral element in the fabric of communities in Gwynedd and Anglesey and is a reflection of their traditions and culture. Development can have a profound effect on the viability of the Welsh language.  Undertaking a Welsh Language Impact Assessment of the JLDP will ensure that any adverse effects of development will be minimised and mitigated.  It should be noted that the WLIA methodology is a subjective process intended to establish the probable impacts stemming from a development proposal or policy.

A WLIA of the JLDP Deposit Plan has been undertaken.

Equality Impact Assessment

Equality Impact Assessments (EqIA’s) of certain documents are required in law by the Equality Act 2010. EqIA is a tool that helps local authorities make sure that the Council does not discriminate, promotes equality wherever possible and fosters good community relations.  Carrying out an EqIA involves assessing the likely effects of policies on people in respect of disability, gender, race, language, age, sexual orientation, sexual reassignment and religion or belief. Where relevant, the Equality Act 2010 also requires us to give consideration to marriage and civil partnership and maternity and pregnancy.

As the JLDP is a land-use plan, its impact on equality is also linked to access to services, facilities and opportunities.  Due to its potential to impact certain groups and individuals it has been decided to undertake an EqIA of the Plan to ensure that the JLDP does not discriminate against particular groups and to identify the positive contribution the JLDP makes to the equalities agenda.

An EqIA of the JLDP Deposit Plan has been undertaken.

Health Impact Assessment

Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a tool that can be used to assess the health impact of a physical development, a proposed change to service delivery or a policy or strategy.  Some of the impacts may be positive, while others could be more harmful.  The aim is to remove or mitigate any possible negative impacts on people’s health and well-being and to maximise opportunities to help people improve their health. A HIA of the JLDP Deposit Plan has been undertaken.