Assessment of effects of town and country planning on the environment
The European Commission has published a proposal for a Directive on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment. The Directive aims to provide a high level of environmental protection, by ensuring that an environmental assessment is carried out in respect of town and country planning plans and programmes, and that the results of the assessment are taken into account during the preparation and adoption of such plans and programmes. The proposed Directive contains conditions for carrying out environmental assessments, including a provision to consult other Member States where plans or programmes may affect the environment of another Member State. Member States would be required to implement the proposed Directive by 31 December 1999.