Local Transport Plan (LTP) 3 assessments

Department for Transport (DfT) guidance on the preparation of local transport plans requires that a number of statutory assessments be carried out as a plan is being developed.

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

In compliance with European legislation, the environmental impacts of any capital investment programme need to be given due consideration, both during the plan development and its implementation. This is known as a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). The documents relating to this process are included below:

LTP3 - Strategic Environmental Assessment Report (PDF, 3 MB)

LTP3 - Strategic Environmental Assessment Appendices (PDF, 2 MB)

LTP3 - Strategic Environmental Assessment Summary (PDF, 1 MB)

LTP3 - Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping Report (PDF, 1 MB)

LTP3 - Strategic Environmental Assessment Statement (PDF, 1 MB)

Health Impact Assessment

A Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is an integral part of an SEA and was carried out to ensure any health issues with LTP3 were addressed to make the plan more effective, particularly in mitigating any potential negative effects on people's health and well-being.

LTP3 - Health Impact Assessment (PDF, 153 KB)

Habitat Regulations Assessment

Under European and national law, it is required that the draft LTP is subject to an assessment to see if it will have any adverse impact on sites or European importance for biodiversity. These are the most important wildlife sites, and there are a number of them in and around County Durham. If adverse impact is likely, then further analysis is needed to confirm whether this is significant or not. Only in cases where over-riding public interest can be proved may the plan be taken forward when significant adverse impact is likely, and compensatory measures will be required. The process is called Habitat Regulations Assessment and is prescribed by special guidance.