Report finds sustainability appraisals 'often ignored'

The potential of sustainability appraisals (SAs) is not being realised because they are often viewed as "another bureaucratic hurdle" in the planning process, according a report published by the Sustainable Development Research Network (SDRN). The review, researched and written by Land Use Consultants (LUC) and The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), found evidence to suggest that SA recommendations are often ignored, although it also identified areas where SA recommendations are making a real difference to development plan policies.

The SDRN report states that policy appraisal approaches need to be developed which play a more influential role within the spatial planning process. Other areas for improvement were also highlighted, including the need to make the SA process more practitioner-friendly, as well as the need for joint working practices between practitioners, policy makers and members of the research community.

The Department of Communities and Local Government's chief planner, Steve Quartermain, said SAs are "integral to good plan-making and a fast developing area". The DCLG has commissioned consultants Scott Wilson to address some of the recommendations and carry out further research into the use of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and SAs in planning. The report is due in December.

• News Release
• SDRN sustainability appraisals report