The Cheviot Hills, Northumberland National Park\n© Simon Fraser

Sustainability Appraisal and Appropriate Assessment

The sustainability appraisal process provides a key evidence base for the LDF and informs the evaluation of different policy options.  It fully incorporates the requirements of the European Directorate on Strategic Environmental Assessment.  It provides a detailed assessment of the environmental, economic and social effects of proposed plans and policies.

The Habitats Directive requires that an Appropriate Assessment should be undertaken on all emerging Development Plan Documents and Supplementary Planning Documents.  This is a mechanism for providing protection of nature conservation sites of European importance.  These are sites which are of exceptional importance in respect of rare, endangered or vulnerable natural habitats and species.

As part of the consultation on each Development Plan Document and Supplementary Planning Document, the National Park Authority has consulted - and will continue to consult - on the Sustainability Appraisal and Appropriate Assessment.  These assessments will be proportionate to the document and will not repeat the appraisal of higher level policy.

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© Northumberland National Park Authority, Eastburn, South Park, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 1BS, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1434 605555 Fax: +44 (0)1434 611675 Email: enquiries@nnpa.org.uk