Re-Examining the Rationale for Strategic Assessment: An Evaluation of Purpose in Two Systems

Samuel J. Hayes, Adam Barker () and Carys E Jones ()
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Samuel J. Hayes: Department of Geography and Planning, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Roxby Building, 74 Bedford Street South, Liverpool, L69 72T, UK
Adam Barker: Department of Planning & Environmental Management, School of Environment, Education and Development, University of Manchester, Humanities Bridgeford Street Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
Carys E Jones: Department of Planning & Environmental Management, School of Environment, Education and Development, University of Manchester, Humanities Bridgeford Street Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK

Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management (JEAPM), 2017, vol. 19, issue 04, 1-26

Abstract: Strategic forms of impact assessment have seen increased application around the world since their conception. Expansion has produced considerable variation and this range of tools and processes can create practitioner confusion and blurred boundaries in practice. This research draws on empirical data from England and Scotland to examine different systems to understand how the purposes of strategic assessment are framed and to consider how purposes are translated into practice. Four key purposes of strategic assessment are examined; overcoming EIA shortcomings, strategic thinking, representation of the environment and consideration of sustainability. It is concluded that various scales (international, national, local and individual) influence how strategic assessment purpose is framed. We find that as multiple purposes come together they interact, with regulatory compliance potentially dominating. Strategic assessment is also found to be described as information provider, and excluded or distant from strategic thinking as part of plan formulation.

Keywords: Strategic environmental assessment; sustainability appraisal; sustainability assessment; impact assessment; sustainability; sustainable development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1142/S146433321750020X

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