Strategic Environmental Assessment Determination - Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004

In compliance with paragraphs 9 and 11 of the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 (the Regulations) which implement EC Directive 2001/42/EC, Hertsmere Borough Council has undertaken the responsibility to determine whether a proposed plan or programme or a modification to an existing plan or programme is likely to have a significant environmental effect, which would require it to be subject to Strategic Environment Assessment.

The Regulations state that when a plan, programme or modifications is considered and it is determined it is unlikely to have a significant environmental effect (and therefore does not require an environmental assessment) the determining authority will prepare a statement of its reasons for the determination. The Regulations state that once a determination has been made the determining authority must:

• send to each consultation body a copy of the determination;
• set out a statement of its reasons for the determination that an environmental assessment is not required;
• keep a copy of the determination;
• notify the public of the determination decision.

The proposed programme is a Housing Strategy. The Council has considered the proposed Housing Strategy and has concluded that a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Housing Strategy is not required in this instance.

The Housing Strategy addresses the issues of: options for change; evidence based strategy; current recourses and policies; factors promoting change; overall resources; financial assistance; home repair assistance; energy efficiency initiative; empty properties; conversion of underused / redundant spaces; enforcement – HHSRS and houses in multiple occupation and engagement with the private sector.

It is concluded that a Strategic Environmental Assessment is not required as the content of this Strategy will not directly result in the construction of new housing units on the ground. Therefore, it is not considered that the Strategy will have significant environmental effects and it is not appropriate to apply the Strategic Environmental Assessment process to the Strategy in this instance.

As part of the decision making process the Environment Agency, English Nature, English Heritage and the Countryside Agency were all consulted about the Strategy and the view that a Strategic Environmental Assessment is not required. Replies have been received from the Environment Agency and English Nature, who both agree with the decision for the same reason.

This statement is publication of the decision in compliance with the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004.