Telling the story of the plan making process

The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires Sustainability Appraisal (SA) to be undertaken for each of the proposals in a plan during its preparation. SA incorporates the requirements of the SEA Directive. Its role is to promote sustainable development by assessing the extent to which an emerging plan will help to achieve environmental, economic and social objectives and to ensure that environmental effects are given full consideration, alongside economic and social issues.

Policy and guidance on SA are provided in the National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Practice Guidance. In 2018, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) published guidance on SA which seeks to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of undertaking SA/SEA for land use plans. Lepus is proud to have contributed to the production of this key guidance document.  

Lepus specialises in SA and has worked extensively with local planning authorities across the country to provide practical and helpful support with all aspects of the SA process, including scoping, reasonable alternatives reports, post adoption statements and support at Examination in Public.

We work closely with our clients, developing strong relationships to ensure that the recommendations of the SA process are fully integrated into all stages of the plan-making process. We provide innovative sustainable solutions and best practice advice for our clients.