SEA is now a legal requirement during the preparation of certain types of plans, programmes and strategies. SEA requires plan makers to consider what effects their plan will have upon a wide range of environmental receptors (including biodiversity, human health, population, climate, air, water, soil, material assets and cultural heritage) and to look for ways of mitigating any potential adverse effects. The guidance aims to provide detailed advice for practitioners on how to deal with three of these receptors, namely air, water and soil.

We are launching a two-month consultation period in June 2008 and we invite comments on the draft guidance from stakeholders with a keen interest in SEA.