ABSTRACT
The term Strategic Environmental Assessment is often applied to the evaluation of studies establishing alternative alignments within given corridors as well as to plans and programmes. The term strategic does not relate to a specific geographic scale nor does it imply a degree of superficiality in the assessment activities. The Directive introduces a requirement for formal consideration of environmental issues in the production and adoption of plans and programmes which establish a framework for future development consents. In the new approach land use planning, environmental assessment and public involvement are no longer to be seen as after the fact add-ons, but are to be fully integrated and equal activities to that of transportation planning. The appraisal process set out in the Guidance on the Methodology for Multi-Modal Studies (GOMMMS) builds upon that of the New Approach to Appraisal.
