SEA IN THE CONTEXT OF LANDTUSE PLANNING

The second issue that raises some questions is that of the level of integration in theplanning processes. According to the guidelines prepared in 2005, the responsible authoritiescan broaden up the assessment to include economic and social aspects and integrate the SEAaspects in the same report. The process for Sustainability Appraisal in relation to the planningprocess for local development frameworks and regional spatial strategies are set out inguidance for sustainability appraisal (ODPM 2005b). Does the existing practice and demandsof Sustainability Appraisal facilitate or impede on the local planning authorities to fulfil therequirements of the directive? Will they see the different between the two processes – andwill the SEA requirements provide solutions for the existing defects of the SA practice thatare identified in the research? This is particularly interesting to look at in relation to theresults presented by Short et al (2004) that more than two-thirds of LPAs believed that preregulationsEA/SA had little or no influence on development plan objectives and policies,and nearly two-thirds believed that their plan would have developed in the same mannerwithout any appraisal having been undertaken. Furthermore, a study by Jones et al (submittedto Journal of Environmental Planning and Management) of 25 LPAs showed that only 11authorities took the Environmental Report fully in consideration in decision-making.Considering the results of Sustainability Appraisal presented above – what is the risk thatSEA will meet the same fate? A deeper comparison between the SEA application andprevious experience of SA as well as the influence of the recent reforms of planning at thelocal authority level provides would be a worth subject for further research.94