Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report Consultation

We are currently receiving a high number of planning applications which is resulting in delays to our usual response times. We are determining applications and responding to enquiries in the order they are received. We will respond as soon as possible.

Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report Consultation

Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report consultation for emerging Gypsy, Traveller Site Allocations Development Plan Document

Consultation on the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report for the emerging Gypsy, Traveller Site Allocations Development Plan Document ran for five weeks between 28th August 2019 and 2nd October 2019.

Local Authorities are required by Central Government to assess the accommodation requirements of Gypsy and Travellers and to develop a strategy that addresses any identified unmet need. The proposed Gypsy, Traveller Site Allocations Development Plan Document will form part of the Local Plan and will allocate and safeguard sites for Gypsy and Traveller needs. 

All Development Plan Documents are required to be subject to a Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environment Assessment throughout their preparation. The requirements to carry out SA and SEA are distinct, although it is possible to satisfy both using a single appraisal process (as advocated in the National Planning Practice Guidance). 

The scoping report is the first stage of the sustainability appraisal process. The Scoping Report outlines the Council’s proposed approach to sustainability appraisal in preparing the Plan and specifically sets out the framework against which sites promoted for allocation by landowners or other interested parties can be reviewed.  The results of the Sustainability Appraisal will subsequently help inform the sites selected for allocation to meet identified Gypsy and Traveller accommodation needs. 

Legislation requires the Council to consult statutory consultees (Natural England, Historic England and Environment Agency) upon the proposed scope. In line with other scoping consultations undertaken by the Council, views are sought from other environmental bodies, governance agencies and member of the public.

A five week consultation on the Scoping Report ran between 28th August 2019 and 2nd October 2019.

Please note this was NOT a consultation on the Gypsy and Traveller Allocations Development Plan but on the scope of related SA documents which are required by Regulations.

The Scoping Report can be accessed on this webpage.

Following this consultation, all responses will be considered and where relevant the Scoping Report will be amended accordingly. An updated version of the Scoping Report will then be placed on the website.