Strategic Environmental Assessment
Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping Report Consultation
Why are we consulting?
We are preparing a new Local Plan for Fareham, which will help guide how the Borough changes and grows up to 2044.
As part of this work, the Council must assess the likely effects of the Local Plan before decisions are made. This includes looking at how different choices could affect the environment, communities, health, the economy and quality of life.
This assessment is known as an Integrated Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment, often shortened to SA/SEA. The Council is required by law to carry out this type of assessment as part of preparing the Local Plan.
We are now consulting on the first stage of this work, called the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report 
(17 MB). This report sets out what information we propose to use, what issues the assessment should consider, and how we will judge the possible effects of different Local Plan options.
This consultation is intended to meet the relevant requirements for consultation on the scoping stage of the assessment process. The Council welcomes detailed technical comments from statutory consultees and specialist organisations, as well as comments from residents, businesses and community groups on the issues that matter to them.
Your comments will help make sure the assessment is based on the right information and considers the right issues from the start. Answers to some frequently asked questions can be found below.
How you can respond
Please use the link below to respond to the consultation online. If you are unable to take part online, please contact the Planning Strategy Team, who can provide alternative ways to view the consultation material and submit your comments. If you prefer to read a hard copy of the consultation documents, copies will be available at libraries across the borough and can also be viewed on request at the Civic Offices in Fareham.
The Consultation is open from 24th August to 2nd October.
If you have any queries or accessibility requirements, please contact the Planning Strategy Team by telephone on 01329 824601 or by email at planningpolicy@fareham.gov.uk.
FAQs
What is the assessment for?
The Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment help make sure that social, environmental and economic issues are considered as the Local Plan is prepared.
In simple terms, the assessment helps answer questions such as:
What are the key environmental, social and economic issues facing Fareham?
What information should be used to understand those issues?
How could different Local Plan choices affect people, places and the environment?
Are there ways to reduce negative effects or improve positive ones?
This does not decide the final Local Plan. Instead, it helps inform future choices by testing different options in a clear and consistent way.
What are we consulting on?
We are consulting on the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report.
This is the first stage of the assessment process. It sets the context for the work and proposes the framework that will be used to assess future Local Plan options, policies and potential site allocations.
At this stage, we are particularly interested in whether:
- the right plans, policies and programmes have been considered
- the baseline information is appropriate and up to date
- the key sustainability issues for Fareham have been identified
- the proposed assessment framework is suitable for assessing future Local Plan options
We welcome comments from statutory consultees, organisations, groups and members of the public.
Why does this matter?
The Local Plan will influence important decisions about future development in Fareham, including where new homes, jobs, infrastructure and community facilities may be needed.
The Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment are important because they help ensure these decisions are informed by evidence and consider wider impacts from the earliest stages of plan-making.
By commenting now, you can help shape the way future Local Plan options are assessed.
How does the process work?
The assessment is carried out in stages alongside preparation of the Local Plan. These stages include setting the scope, developing and assessing options, preparing a report, consulting on the Local Plan and assessment, and monitoring after the plan is adopted.
This consultation relates to the first stage: scoping.
The scoping stage helps establish the baseline information, sustainability issues and assessment framework that will be used later in the process.
What do the Consultation questions focus on?
You do not need to comment on every part of the report. You may wish to focus on the issues most relevant to you or your organisation.
We are particularly asking:
1. Have we used the right information about Fareham?
Have we included the key facts, evidence and local information needed to understand the area and its future challenges?
2. Are there any important local issues we have missed?
This could include issues affecting the environment, communities, health, transport, jobs, housing or other aspects of life in Fareham.
3. Are there any plans, strategies or studies we should take into account?
Please tell us about any local, regional or national documents that you think are relevant.
4. Do you think we are focusing on the right things when assessing Local Plan options?
Are there any issues you think should be given greater consideration as we assess future policies and development options?