Closed Consultations
Consultations around the Severn Estuary
The following consultations have taken place around the estuary. The consultations on our page represent a selection of those currently relevant to the Severn Estuary, which we have selected as we feel they are of most interest to our readers.
If you know of a consultation that is taking place in the area that we have not covered, please let us know and we will endeavour to include it on our pages. If you would like the Severn Estuary Partnership to facilitate discussions between your organisation, your community or specific focus groups for any of these consultations, please contact the Severn Estuary Partnership office.
EDF Energy. Nuclear Power Station at Hinkley Point C, Somerset
Consultation start date: 9th July 2010
Consultation end date: 4th October 2010
The public consultation on EDF Energy's, 'Preferred Proposals' for Hinkley
Point C can be found at hinkleypoint.edfconsultation.info/.
This website provides all the information about EDF Energy’s plans
to develop a new nuclear power station with two generating units at
Hinkley Point C.
Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management: Development of a National Strategy for Wales
Consultation start date: 16th July 2010
Consultation end date: 8th October 2010
The National Strategy is intended to set out the Welsh Assembly Government’s
policies on flood and coastal erosion risk management. It should also
establish a delivery framework that meets the needs of Wales both now
and in the future. This consultation is the first step in producing
a National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management in
Wales. It poses questions about the objectives that should be set, the
actions that the National Assembly should take and the way it should
fund flood and coastal erosion risk management. It also includes information
on the roles and responsibilities of the Risk Management Authorities.
For more information about this consultation, please visit wales.gov.uk/consultations/environmentandcountryside/floodstrategy/?lang=en
Severn Estuary Shoreline Management Plan Review (SMP2) Final Strategic Environmental Assessment Report
Consultation end date: 10th October 2010
The Final Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), Including the Non-Technical Summary, for the Severn Estuary SMP2 is now available for consultation. Although consultation on the SEA has already taken place and comments have been considered by the Coastal Group, it is a requirement to reconsult on the final documents following amendment. The final SEA, including the Non-Technical Summary and annexes are available at the SECG website: www.severnestuary.net/secg/smpr.html
Marine Policy Statement, England and Wales (UK)
Consultation start date: 21st July 2010
Consultation end date: 13th October 2010
The Marine Policy Statement (UK) will be the first part of new regime
of marine planning being introduced around the UK. It will provide the
high level policy context within which Marine Plans will be developed,
and set the direction for marine licensing and associated authorisation
processes.
The Marine Policy Statement will provide the overarching policy framework for the UK marine area. For more information and access to relevant consultation documents, please visit www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/marine-policy/index.htm
Marine Planning System, England
Consultation start date: 21st July 2010
Consultation end date: 13th October 2010
The Marine Planning System consultation sets out the marine planning
system in England for the new Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and
other interested organisations and persons. It aims to provide a context
for the Marine Policy Statement consultation by outlining the planning
system in England as a whole.
This document is far reaching and, as such, Defra invites the views of all coastal, marine and terrestrial stakeholders who will be affected by this new system. This includes, amongst others, those in the fields of industry, research, nature and heritage conservation, town-planning, regeneration, recreation and tourism. For more information and access to relevant consultation documents, please visit www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/marine-planning/index.htm
Marine Licensing System, England
Consultation start date: 21st July 2010
Consultation end date: 13th October 2010
The new Marine Licensing System introduced by the Marine and Coastal
Access Act 2009 will be launched in spring 2011. The consultation (England
only) sets out policy proposals for the implementation of the new system,
covering key aspects including the application process, appeals against
licensing decisions, and exemptions. Defra and DECC invite your views
on the proposals for a new Marine Licensing System. This will affect
a wide range of organisations from marine industries, nature conservation
agencies to other sea users. For more information and access to relevant
consultation documents, please visit www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/marine-licensing-system/index.htm
Natural environment: an invitation to shape the nature of England
Consultation start date: 26th July 2010
Consultation end date: 30th October 2010
The natural environment underpins economic prosperity, health and wellbeing.
As a result, protecting the environment and enhancing biodiversity is
one of Defra’s top 3 priorities, as outlined in the Department’s
Structural Reform Plan. A key commitment under this priority is the
publication of a ‘White Paper’ on the natural environment
by Spring 2011. Defra want all interested parties to have a say in shaping
the development of this White Paper and in doing so have published a
discussion paper “An invitation to shape the Nature of England”.
Defra are inviting all comments and submissions from anyone with an
interest in the natural environment. For more information about the
programme of engagement and to view the discussion papers, please visit
ww2.defra.gov.uk/our-responsibilities/nat-environment/
Sedgemoor District Council Core Strategy
Consultation start date: 27th September 2010
Consultation end date: 26th November 2010
As the key document in the Local Development Framework, the core Strategy
sets out the main development priorities for the District, including
the density and distribution of new housing and major commercial development.
Please use the website to keep in touch with what’s happening:
www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/ldf
Secondary legislation under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009: Part 4, Marine Licensing
Consultation start date: 27th September 2010
Consultation end date: 20th December 2010
This consultation seeks views on detailed proposals for the
new marine licensing system that will be created in Wales. The new marine
licensing system will regulate sustainable development in the marine
environment. Several draft statutory instruments are available via the
attached link as Annexes to the consultation document. www.wales.gov.uk/consultations
& www.cymru.gov.uk/ymgynghoriadau
(under Environment and Countryside). Please submit your comments by
20th December 2010, by email (mcu@wales.gsi.gov.uk
), or post: Marine Consents Unit, Welsh Assembly Government, Cathays
Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ. If you have any queries on this consultation,
please telephone: 02920 823225.
A living Wales – a new framework for our environment, our countryside and our seas
Consultation start date: 15th September 2010
Consultation end date: 31st December 2010
The Welsh Assembly Government is developing a Natural Environment Framework
(NEF). The framework will have a stronger focus on sustainable land
and marine management in Wales based on the ecosystem approach. The
framework will also address climate change pressures on the environment.
Further
information
Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge Urban Extension
Consultation start date: 23/11/10
Consultation end date: 18/01/11
Addendum to Proposed Submission Core Strategy. Sets out the proposed
broad location of the urban extension highlighted in Policy P3: Burnham-on-Sea
& Highbridge. Further
Information
Horizon Nuclear Power. Nr Oldbury-on-Severn, South Gloucestershire.
Consultation start date: 2010 (TBC)
Consultation end date: 24/01/2011
Formal consultations for the proposed development plans for Horizon
Nuclear Power will commence in 2011. For more information on the expected
schedule for site studies and environmental surveys that have been carried
out as part of the development process, please visit www.horizonnuclearpower.com/oldbury.php.
Community newsletters, public exhibition materials and the answers to
many frequently asked questions can be found here too.
Regional Flood and Coastal Committees - Scheme of Membership
Consultation start date: 20/12/10
Consultation end date: 28/01/11
The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 has made a number of
changes to the Regional Flood Defence Committees (RFDCs). As well as
agreeing to the Environment Agency’s regional programme, the name
of the RFDCs will change to Regional Flood and Coastal Committees (RFCCs).
This reflects their broader responsibilities for coastal erosion as
set out in the Act. The government has indicated that RFDCs will transition
to RFCCs in April 2011. This means that any new appointments must reflect
the membership requirements for the new committees as set out in the
Scheme of Membership. Further
Information
British Waterways consults on changes to Business Licences
Consultation end date: 31/01/11
Boat licence changes 2011 - We are currently consulting on several changes
to boat licences to take effect from April 2011. They include a 5.1%
increase to the price of a boat licence and other changes to details,
primarily to improve our operating efficiency. The changes will increase
the budget available for waterway maintenance by up to £0.85 million
in a year. Further
Information
Draft Sustainable Development Guidance for Local Flood Authorities
Consultation start date: 24/11/2010
Consultation end date: 16/02/2011
Section 27 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 states
that a lead local flood authority, district council, internal drainage
board or highways authority must aim to make a contribution towards
the achievement of sustainable development when exercising a flood or
coastal erosion risk management function. The Act requires the Secretary
of State to issue guidance about how authorities are to discharge this
duty. This draft guidance has been developed for that purpose. Further
Information
Future funding of flood and coastal erosion risk management
in England
Consultation start date: 24/11/2010
Consultation end date: 16/02/2011
This consultation invites views on potential reforms to the
way in which capital grant-in-aid is allocated to projects in England
in order to manage the risk of flooding and coastal erosion. The current
funding system means that the costs of risk management are almost entirely
borne by the general taxpayer. This limits how much can be achieved
as well as creates potential for inequity within the system. The use
of taxpayer funding also limits the extent to which local communities
can influence priorities for national expenditure.
A different system is proposed whereby national budgets are no longer focused on the costs of managing risk, but instead pay for a share of the benefits delivered when risk management outcomes are achieved. Where benefits and outcomes significantly outweigh the costs involved, projects may remain fully-funded by Government. In other cases, schemes would still go forward over time if costs are reduced or sufficient other funding can be found. Those most at risk and living in the most deprived areas would continue to be the focus for Government support. Further Information
Review of Bathing Water Designations
Consultation start date: 26/11/2010
Consultation end date: 18/02/2011
The revised Bathing Water Directive requires Member States
to identify (designate) popular bathing areas each year. They also have
to monitor water quality at these areas during the bathing season, which
in Wales runs from mid May to the end of September. We are seeking proposals
for new bathing waters and for any existing bathing waters that should
no longer be identified (de-designated). Further
Information
Consultation on Revised Funded Decommissioning Programme Guidance
for New Nuclear Power Stations
Consultation start date: 07/12/2010
Consultation end date: 08/03/2011
This consultation follows the publication in February 2008
of the Consultation
on funded decommissioning programme guidance for new nuclear power stations
on what an approvable Funded Decommissioning Programme (FDP) should
contain.
Since 2008 there have been some significant developments with regard to the framework that the Government is putting in place concerning the financing of decommissioning and waste management and waste disposal. Also over this period prospective nuclear operators have been developing their approach to the FDPs. The Government has engaged in discussions with members of the three prospective new nuclear consortia and we asked them to write to us following these discussions detailing their views. We have published these letters alongside the revised guidance.
While it is not considered that the changes made to the guidance since the 2008 consultation are significant enough to give rise to many fresh issues, there is the possibility that the changes may lead stakeholders to have new or different views to those given in response to the previous consultation in 2008. Further Information
Informal consultation on new marine licensing system
Consultation start: 10/02/2011
Consultation end: 09/03/2011
Part 4 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 provides a
framework for a new marine licensing system that will enable regulators
to make sustainable and effective decisions on activities that may be
carried out in the marine area.
The MMO continue to work hard to achieve a smooth transition between the existing systems and new marine licensing system, and have produced draft operating guidance on the following activities that the new licensing system will cover; Marine licensing process, Construction and removals, Dredging disposal and aggregate dredging, Burial at sea, Harbour Act, Wildlife, Cross-border, Environmental impact assessment, Habitat Regulations, Emergency works. This guidance is available for comment until 5 pm on Wednesday 9 March. Further Information
Lydney Area Action Plan Draft Baseline Report
Consultation start date: 31/01/2011
Consultation end date: 13/03/2011
The Forest of Dean District Council is starting the production
of the Lydney Area Action Plan. Area Action Plans (AAP) are planning
policy documents which will form part of the statutory Local Development
Framework.
The Lydney Area Action Plan aims to spark the delivery of significant economic regeneration within Lydney and to dramatically improve the physical connections between the town centre and the historic docks. The Area Action Plan will set out the vision, objectives and policies for land within the Area Action Plan boundary. It will contain a strategy for how the planning system can deliver change to regenerate Lydney having regard to the opportunities the town provides. Further Information
Cinderford Area Action Plan (AAP) Further Consultation
Consultation start date: 31/01/2011
Consultation end date: 14/03/2011
The consultation in October 2009 showed clear support for the
programme and for the general land uses proposed. Following this consultation,
there was a period of uncertainty in relation to the proposed education
and skills facility, and the way in which the necessary infrastructure
could be delivered. This has now ended with firm commitments from the
HCA who now own an important part of the NQ site, and there are some
clear and realistic emerging options in relation to the education and
skills facility.
As a consequence of the above, there is a need to reconsider how the key access route will be developed and to consider other changes in order to better provide for the education and skills facility. Further Information
Building Resilience to Climate Change: Approach to Exercising Powers to Issue Guidance and Directions under Part 4 of the Climate Change Act 2008
Consultation start date: 22/12/2010
Consultation end date: 15/03/2011
Part 4 of the Climate Change Act 2008 gives the Welsh Ministers powers
in relation to responding to the consequences of climate change and
enabling effective adaptation action. We want your views on our statutory
guidance and our approach to using the power of direction. Further
Information
Managing Flood Risk on the Severn Estuary
Consultation start date: 24/01/2011
Consultation end date: 18/03/2011
The Environment Agency are keen to hear your views on our proposals
for flood management around the estuary over the next 100 years. There
are a number of ways you can contribute.
Our proposals are detailed in our consultation brochure. We have produced three separate editions of the brochure (see links below), covering the different parts of the estuary; South East Wales, Gloucestershire, and South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset. You may like to view all three if you have a general interest in the estuary, or focus on the one detailing a specific area you would like to know more about. Once you have read the proposals, please complete our questionnaire and return it to us. You can do this electronically and email it back to us, or you can complete it and post it using the FREEPOST address. Both these addresses are shown at the bottom of the questionnaire. Printed versions of the publications and questionnaire are also available at local libraries around the estuary, and with local Parish Councils. Further Information
North Somerset Core Strategy Publication Version
Start of consultation: 08/02/2011
End of consultation: 23/03/2011
The Core Strategy will be the primary planning policy document
for North Somerset and will set out broadly where and what sort of development
will take place and how communities can develop up to 2026. The Publication
Version marks the last stage in the Core Strategy's preparation before
submitting it for examination by an independent inspector. At this stage
comments are invited on the "soundness" of the plan and whether
it has been prepared in compliance with the necessary legal procedures.
Further
Information
South Gloucestershire Core Strategy
Start of consultation: 03/03/2011
End of consultation: 23/03/2011
The Core Strategy will be submitted to the Government on 24th
March for independent examination. Along with the Core Strategy, the
Council will be submitting other documents, including the proposed changes
agreed by the Council in December 2010, evidence base documents, consultation
statements, representations received to the Pre-Submission Publication
Draft Core Strategy and comments which have been made on the proposed
changes. Further
Information
HM Coastguard Proposals for Modernisation Consultation 2010
Start of consultation: 16/12/2010
End of consultation: 24/03/2011
This consultation puts forward proposals for a modernised,
fully-networked national Coastguard that can more flexibly manage the
greatly varying demands of its workload. These proposals will enable
Coastguard Officers to better use their skills and training with a salary
that reflects this.
The MCA also want to change and improve the leadership, management and support we give our volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officers, and make better use of their local knowledge and training. The consultation contains opportunities for comments and suggestions. The consultation is for Coastguard staff, Coastguard volunteers, partner organisations and the wider general public with an interest in the services the Coastguard Coordination Service provides. Further Information
Hinkley Point Stage 2 Update Consultation
Consultation start date: 25/02/2011
Consultation end date: 28/03/2011
A detailed strategy setting out how EDF Energy proposes to consult with
the local community has been discussed with West Somerset Council, Sedgemoor
District Council and Somerset County Council.
This Consultation Strategy and a revised Statement of Community Consultation (SOCC)| are available to download. Further Information
MMO UK oil spill treatment review
Consultation start: 15/02/2011
Consultation end: 29/03/2011
Representatives from across industry, government and the environmental
sector have been urged to have their say as part of the Oil Spill Treatment
Product Approval Scheme review led by the Marine Management Organisation
(MMO). The consultation is the main stage in the review, which will
assess whether the current approval scheme is fit for purpose. The review
is expected to be completed by April 2011. Further
Information
Hinkley Point C Project Supplementary Planning Document
Consultation start: 01/03/2011
Consultation end: 12/04/2011
West Somerset and Sedgemoor District Councils will be undertaking
a 6-week consultation on Hinkley Point C Project Supplementary Planning
Document (SPD), starting on Tuesday 1st March 2011.
The SPD will help inform proposals and assist potential developers, including EDF Energy, in formulating their plans. The Councils would like your views to assist in the approach for the Hinkley Point project. The SPD will help inform the Councils' Local Impact Report that will be submitted to the Infrastructure Planning Commission, when they consider the application for the main power station. As part of this consultation, the councils are organising a number of public events during March: Further Information
Forest of Dean District Council - Core Strategy Publication Draft
Consultation start: 21/03/2011
Consultation end: 03/05/2011
The Core Strategy is the principal document in the new Local
Development Framework for the Forest of Dean. It contains the following
key elements: An overall vision setting out how the district and places
within it should evolve; Strategic objectives for the area focusing
on key issues; A strategy for the delivery of these objectives, setting
out where when and by what means development will be delivered; An explanation
of how the delivery process will be monitored This version of the Core
Strategy is published as the final version prepared by the District
Council for submission to the Secretary of State. Further
Information
Implementing the Environmental Noise Directive in Wales
Start of consultation: 10/02/2011
End of consultation: 05/05/2011
WAG published environmental noise action plans in January 2009
in line with the Environmental Noise Directive. Following this, they
have developed procedures for implementing parts of the Directive. WAG
want your views on our proposed approach to identifying “quiet
areas” in agglomerations (large urban areas) and priority areas
with high levels of road traffic and railway noise. Further
Information
Sustainable development for Welsh seas: Our approach to marine
planning in Wales
Start of consultation: 16/02/2011
End of consultation: 11/05/2011
This consultation seeks views on how the Welsh Assembly Government intends
developing marine planning in Wales in line with their powers and responsibilities
under the Marine & Coastal Act 2009.
The consultation sets out their intention to develop a national plan for the Welsh inshore area and a national plan for the Welsh offshore area and adopt them by 2012/13. The consultation also sets out options for, and asks questions on, how they should plan on a sub-national level to embed more detail into the national plans. Further Information
Regime for special water and sewerage infrastructure projects in England
Consultation start: 22/02/2011
Consultation end: 17/05/2011
This consultation seeks views on the proposals for new regulations
that will require certain water and sewerage infrastructure projects
to be put out to competitive tender by English water and sewerage companies
(undertakers). Further
Information
South Gloucestershire Core Strategy - Options for Filton Airfield
Consultation start date: 17th June 2011
Consultation end date: 19th July 2011
South Gloucestershire Council is preparing the Core Strategy which when
adopted will be the main planning document for guiding and managing
new development and change in South Gloucestershire up to 2026.
On 14th April 2011 BAE Systems announced its intention to close Filton Airfield in December 2012. The future of this site is a matter which the Core Strategy will need to take into account. The Council has therefore issued a Position Statement and a supporting Sustainability Appraisal that sets out possible options for how the planned closure of the airfield could be dealt with in the Core Strategy. Further Information
Lydney Area Action Plan - Planning for Real
Consultation start date: 21st June 2011
Consultation end date: 2nd August 2011
The District Council in partnership with a number of organisations in
Lydney, including the Town Council and Lydney Area in Partnership, are
preparing an Area Action Plan for Lydney. An Area Action Plan is a planning
document aimed at establishing a set of proposals and policies for the
development of a specific area such as a town centre or an area of new
development. The Lydney AAP will set out the spatial vision for the
Town Centre and surrounding area. It will provide the planning framework,
with policies and proposals, to promote and manage future development
and changes. An important part of the process is gathering the views,
ideas and aspirations of as wide a cross section of the community as
possible, to do this the consultations will be based upon the ‘Planning
4 Real’ process. http://www.planningforreal.org.uk/
For more information about this consultation, please visit:
http://fdean-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/planning/lydaap/lydney_area_action_plan_-_planning_for_real
Consultation on the compulsory Good Agricultural Environmental Condition (GAEC) standard to introduce buffer zones alongside water courses to tackle water pollution from agriculture
Consultation start date: 6th July 2011
Consultation end date: 1st September 2011
The Welsh Government is consulting on the introduction of buffer zones
alongside water courses to tackle water pollution in agriculture. Further
information
Consultation on environmental permit applications for proposed Hinkley Point C nuclear power station
Consultation start date: 25th August 2011
Consultation end date: 6th October 2011
The Environment Agency is consulting on two environmental permit
applications they have received from EDF Energy's new nuclear build
company, NNB Generation Company Limited (NNB GenCo) relating to operation
of a nuclear power station at their Hinkley Point site. All comments
must be with them by 6th October 2011. Further
Information
Review of Bathing Water Designations for 2012
Consultation start date: 3rd June 2011
Consultation end date: 7th October 2011
The Welsh Government wants views on which waters in Wales should be
identified (designated) as bathing waters. This is required under the
European Bathing Water Directive. Further
Information
Review of the exceptions to regulations regarding the maximum length of fishing boats in the 0-6nm zone
Consultation start date: 10th November 2011
Consultation end date: 2nd February 2012
The Welsh Government has today launched a consultation to seek views
on the proposal to remove the exceptions within byelaws 38 and 9. These
byelaws relate to the former Sea Fisheries Committees in Wales. In addition,
it proposes to clarify the exception for mussel dredgers and extend
the same to operators of Several and regulated orders. Further
Information
December 2011 South Gloucestershire Core Strategy incorporating Post-Submission Changes
Consultation start date: 29th December 2011
Consultation end date: 17th February 2012
The South Gloucestershire Core Strategy will be the key document
in the Council's portfolio of Local Development Framework planning documents
and applies to the entire district of South Gloucestershire. It sets
out a vision for the area based on evidence, community objectives and
the detailed spatial strategy for future development in South Gloucestershire
to 2026. It includes policies and programmes for the general location
of new development, its type and scale, and the resources to deliver
it, as well as protecting what is valued about the area. Further
Information
Review of Shellfish Water Designations in Wales
Consultation start date: 5th December 2011
Consultation end date: 2nd March 2012
The Shellfish Waters Directive (2006/113/EC) requires Member States
to identify (designate) all Shellfish waters. The Welsh Government is
therefore carrying out a review of areas designated as shellfish waters.
The Shellfish Waters Directive covers the quality of shellfish waters.
It applies to those coastal and brackish waters (estuaries) which the
Welsh Government believes need protection or improvement to support
shellfish life and growth and contribute to the high quality of shellfish
that we eat. Further
Information
Implementation of the Sustainable Drainage Provisions in Schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act (2010)
Consultation start date: 20th December 2011
Consultation end date: 13th March 2012
This consultation presents our proposals to implement the requirements
for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in new and redeveloped sites
in England, which are provided for in Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water
Management Act (2010). The Welsh Government will be consulting separately
about implementation in Wales. Further
Information
Review of the Implementation of the Nitrates Directive in Wales
Consultation start date: 23rd December 2011
Consultation end date: 16th March 2012
The Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) requires Member States to review
their implementation of the Directive every four years. The EC Nitrates
Directive is intended to reduce water pollution caused by nitrates from
agricultural sources and is transposed in Wales under the Nitrate Pollution
Prevention (Wales) Regulations 2008. Further
Information
European Marine and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)
Consultation start date: 25th January 2012
Consultation end date: 18th April 2012
This consultation seeks your views on proposals on the European
Commission’s proposals for the European Maritime and Fisheries
Fund.
The European Commission published their proposals for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) that will replace the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) from 1 January 2014 until 31 December 2020. Further Information
Natural resources Wales - Proposed arrangements for establishing and directing a new body for the management of Wales’ natural resources
Consultation start date: 9th February 2012
Consultation end date: 2nd May 2012
The Welsh Government wants your views on the proposed arrangements for
establishing and directing a new body for Wales’ natural resources.
Further
Information
The Water Act 2003: Withdrawal of compensation under the grounds
of serious damage
Consultation start date: 9th February 2012
Consultation end date: 3rd May 2012
A Consultation by the Welsh Government on the principles to be used
in determining whether a water abstraction (removal) may cause serious
damage. This is a joint consultation with the Department for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Further
Information
