ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a more detailed explanation of the evolution and nature of SEA than was possible in Chapter 1. This provides the basis for the formulation of the process criteria for the evaluation of the SEA of land use plans outlined in Chapter 3. Firstly, the evolution of the SEA process is described. Details of Directive 2001/42/EC (‘the European SEA Directive’), which has influenced land use planning SEA procedures in eight of the countries referred to in this book, are then provided. The chapter continues by discussing generic stages of the SEA process, indicating the elements that collectively constitute good practice procedures for the SEA of land use plans. Subsequently, the opportunities offered by the application of SEA during the preparation of land use plans are outlined. Factors constraining the development of SEA, and potentially jeopardizing the realization of its benefits, are then discussed.
