SEA objectives can be used to develop a systematic, rigorous and consistent framework with which to assess environmental impacts. General information on objectives and their use can be found in the SEA Guidance in the Related Items.
Developing SEA objectives
The level of detail appropriate for the SEA objectives will depend on the characteristics of the Plan and the potential significance of its environmental effects. Where appropriate, "headline" SEA objectives can be broken down into sub-objectives or assessment criteria.
At this stage it may also be possible to start identifying indicators and targets which are relevant to each SEA objective and/ or assessment criteria.
Referring to the current legislation is useful during the objective development. Further information can be found in the section on Legislation and Other Relevant Plans, Programmes and Strategies (PPS).
Identifying and reviewing relevant Plan and environmental protection objectives
Existing environmental protection objectives can be used to inform the development of the Plan and SEA objectives, and identification of significant effect indicators. They can be also used for determining significance of effects and describing the current and future baseline among other SEA tasks.