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Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive

The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive on the Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment (2001/42/EU) ensures that likely significant environmental effects of certain plans and programmes are identified and taken into account during their preparation and before their adoption. The Directive came into force on 21 July 2001. Regulations to implement it into UK law were put in place on 20 July 2004. It is intended that this Directive will contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into decision-making on plans and programmes, and will help to promote sustainable development.

The DTI (former BERR) commissioned an SEA ahead of the Round 2 offshore wind farm leasing announcement.