The Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment reports form part of the Local Plan Core Strategy adopted by Herefordshire Council on 16 October 2015.

Sustainability Appraisal (SA)

Sustainability Appraisal (SA) is a government requirement for Development Plan Documents. Sustainability is about ensuring the long term maintenance of wellbeing and the environment for our present and future communities.

The process assesses the impact of the Core Strategy on the environment, people, and economy. Sustainability criteria cover issues such as air quality, water quality and quantity. They have been agreed after consultation with key local, regional and national organisations such as the Environment Agency, Natural England and English Heritage.

Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)

Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) screening assesses whether policies proposed as part of the Core Strategy would be likely to have significant effects on sites of international importance for wildlife. Where a land use plan is likely to have such an effect an appropriate assessment has to be carried out in respect of the plan's conservation objectives.