We will need to make several assessments or appraisals as part of our preparation of the Local Plan, to ensure that the policies within it meet the needs of people, and of the environment.
Environmental assessments: Sustainability and Habitats Regulations
Our work on the Local Plan will be informed by a Sustainability Appraisal (SA), which will include an assessment of health impact, and a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA).
We will agree a framework for the SA at the beginning of the project, and we will use this to assess and inform the plan-making process. Some planning authorities are using the Doughnut Economic model as a vehicle for the SA, and we are considering using this for the B&NES Local Plan.
We plan to publish an SA Scoping Report, and an interim SA at the stage where we are presenting policy options for consideration.
View an example of a Sustainability Appraisal and a Habitats Regulations Assessment
Equalities Impact Assessment
We have a duty, as a local Planning authority, to ensure that the objectives and policies within our Local Plan meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.
We will complete an Equalities Impact Assessment at multiple stages throughout the preparation of the Local Plan, to demonstrate how we are meeting this duty. This might include things like ensuring that planning for transport provision or access to buildings takes account of the needs of people with mobility issues or access needs.