Government consults on replacing Strategic Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Assessments

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has launched a consultation on its proposed approach to developing Environmental Outcomes Reports, which are set to replace Strategic Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Assessment processes.

The consultation document says the reforms aim to produce "a more streamlined system that places greater focus on delivering our environmental ambitions".  

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill sets out powers for the Government to implement the new system.

Under the powers, the Government hopes to bring forward a new domestic framework for all the environmental assessment regimes, which originate from the EU Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (EIA) and Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes (Strategic Environmental Assessment or SEA) Directive.

The document notes that this will allow the Government to reflect its environmental priorities directly into the plan-making and decision-making process on the largest developments.

The document adds: "The feedback from this consultation will help us establish our approach to developing these environmental outcomes across government."

The consultation closes on 9 June 2023.

Adam Carey