Houghton Neighbourhood Plan
Screening Opinion
Following the submission of a screening opinion for the draft Houghton Neighbourhood Plan on 4th November 2019 Test Valley Borough Council (as responsible authority) has to determine whether or not a full Strategic Environmental Assessment and/or a Habitats Regulations Assessment are required.
In accordance with the Regulations, Natural England, Historic England and the Environment Agency were consulted on the findings of the screening report. The consultation started on the 5th November for a five week period with a deadline of 11th December.
Having regard to the submission and the consultation responses it is the Council’s opinion that the Plan would not be likely to have significant environmental effects. On this basis, a Strategic Environmental Assessment would not be required for the proposed Houghton Neighbourhood Plan. With regards to the Habitats Regulations and whether an Appropriate Assessment is required, the Council concludes that the proposed Neighbourhood Plan is not likely to have a significant effect on European designations. This is supported by the response from Natural England. This decision was made on the 23rd December 2019.
A statement outlining the process and consultation responses is available under Documents.