What is Strategic Environmental Assessment?

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is the systematic environmental assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment. The objective of the SEA is to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans, with a view to promoting sustainable development .

The SEA Directive became part of UK law on 21 July 2004. Its provisions apply to any plans and programmes, and any modifications, whose formal preparation begins after the date of implementation.

Relevant plans and programmes begun before this date but not submitted for formal approval before 16 July 2006 will also require an SEA.