SEA Contents

SEA PDF Contents

Strategic Environmental Assessment

On this web page can be found the Local Transport Plans' Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). The main objective of an SEA is to promote sustainable development, by providing a high level of protection of the environment, and by integrating environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans, and is required for the Local Transport Plan under European legislation.

The SEA process helps to assess the impact of the plan on a wide range of environmental and sustainability issues. Previously, only individual schemes were assessed and there was no mechanism for assessing the overall environmental impact of the plan. The new legislation allows plan makers to consider the impact of the whole plan on the environment, and any significant findings can be fed back into the process while it is still being formulated.

We have completed the first stages of the SEA process and have produced a Scoping Report that compiles background information and demonstrates how the LTP is affected by external factors. Alternative scenarios have been put forward, and for each of these alternatives the merits and concerns will be assessed.

The full text of the SEA Scoping report can be downloaded in PDF format by clicking on the appropriate link on the right hand side. If you have any comments that you wish to make regarding the SEA Scoping Report, then please feel free to submit them to us at LTP@bedscc.gov.uk| If you require further information on Strategic Environmental Assessments, then please e-mail us on LTP@bedscc.gov.uk|

Contents

Chapter 1, Stage A - Setting the context and establishing the baseline introduction|
Status of SEA in the Uk
Background to the LTP
Purpose of the Bedfordshire/Luton LTP SEA
LTP and SEA procedure
Bedfordshire/Luton LTP SEA Methodology
Report Structure

Chapter 2, Wider Context|
Background to objective setting
LTP2 Objectives (Draft)
Indicators
Baseline Data
Why the baseline is important

• Biodiversity
• Water and soil
• Population and human health
• Air
• Climate factors
• Material assets
• Cultural heritage and landscape
• Social inclusiveness
• Economic development

Identifying environmental and sustainability problems and opportunities
Table 1 - Impact and additional growth in Bedfordshire and Luton

Chapter 3, Stage B - Developing alternatives and deciding the scope of SEA|
Introduction
Compatibility with other objectives
Figure 1 - Compatibility matrix - LTP objectives
Figure 2 - Compatibility matrix - SEA objectives with LTP2 objectives
Background to the development of alternative strategies
Indentifying and developing alternatives
Alternative 1- Continuation of existing policies without the plan
Alternative 2 - Sustained and managed growth
Alternative 3 - Planned high level public transport, walking, cycling measures with demand restraint
Alternative 4 - Unmanaged growth, restrained car growth
Alternative 5 - Continuation of existing patterns of development (no growth area)
Summary and comments
Figure 3 - Compatibility matrix - SEA objectives and Strategic Alternatives

Chapter 4 - Consultation on the scope of the SEA and Sustainable Appraisal
Introduction|

Chapter 5 - Methodology for the Future Stages of the SEA|
Introduction
Remaining key SEA tasks
Task 1 - Assessment of the effects of the LTP alternatives
Task 2 - Develop SEA/SA monitoring strategy and programme
Task 3 - Preparation of an overarching draft Environmental Report
Task 4 - Consult on draft Environmental Report
Task 5 - Take consultation results into account and finalise report

Glossary|

List of Abbreviations|

Appendices
Appendix 1 - Environmental Baseline|

Appendix 2 - Relevant policies and plans|

Appendix 3 - Appraisal Framework|