development plans
housing studies
applications and appeals
promoting development
sustainable development
urban design
economic development
participation
sustainability appraisal
viability studies & affordable housing
the Baker Associates approach
Baker Associates is well placed to carry out sustainability appraisals. We know and understand the sustainable development agenda and also the Local Development Framework preparation process. Combining these skills creates valuable and effective sustainability appraisals.
Our comprehensive sustainability appraisals, incorporating Strategic Environmental Assessments where necessary, effectively assess all aspects of sustainable development to include social, economic and environmental issues.
We appreciate that a sustainability appraisal is not just about checking that sustainable development is covered in the development plan. It is also about ensuring that the plan is prepared so that it can be successfully implemented and its sustainability benefits realised.
carrying out a sustainability appraisal
We can work with you in the preparation of sustainability appraisals of a variety of types of plan. We draw upon the different skills of the Baker Associates team, contributing to better and more effective development.
We can be involved throughout the development plan-making process, giving feedback and advice throughout the successive stages of plan preparation. Or we can provide support and verification for work undertaken in-house by local authorities.
Baker Associates’ appraisals involve the continued development and refinement of our methodology. This includes ensuring appraisals comply with the requirements of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive and screening for ‘appropriate assessment’ under the Habitats Directive.
our work
Baker Associates’ sustainability appraisal work covers the preparation of guidance as well as the practical task of undertaking appraisals. It includes:
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leading work on the preparation of the original guidelines to local authorities on how to carry out the environmental appraisal of development plans, published by the Department of the Environment in 1993
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preparation of guidance on sustainability appraisals of regional planning guidance for the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions published in 2000
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preparation of national guidance on sustainability appraisals and Statement of Environmental Assessments for Unitary Development Plans for the Welsh Assembly Government
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the practical application of sustainability appraisals in over 40 plan areas in England and Wales, including for the North Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit, Conwy County Borough Council and Luton Borough Council.
For thorough and reliable sustainability appraisals, Baker Associates can help.
For more information on how we can help, contact Cicely Postan on 0117 933 8950 or cpostan@bakerassocs.com
