Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) – Local Urban Plan (LUP)

The LUP constitutes the principal spatial planning tool for the structured development of an area, defining land-uses, building regulations, environmental protection provisions, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

The SEIA forms an integral and substantive component of the LUP, ensuring that its planning objectives and development strategies are aligned with the principles of environmental protection and sustainable development. It is not limited to a formal regulatory procedure; rather, it functions as a strategic planning tool that supports environmentally spatial planning through the identification, prevention, mitigation, and, where appropriate, compensation of potential adverse impacts on both the natural and the built environment.

The Challenge

The preparation of a SEIA within the framework of a LUP is essential for safeguarding biodiversity and promoting the sustainable management of natural resources, while maintaining an appropriate balance between development priorities and the conservation of valuable environmental and cultural assets. It contributes to public safety, environmental protection, and the rational planning of infrastructure and land-use activities. 

The Solution

The preparation of the SEIA has a structured and scientifically robust methodology comprising the following stages:

• Collection, compilation, and analysis of available environmental data to identify the ecological sensitivities and key characteristics of the study area.
• Comprehensive evaluation of the likely significant environmental effects arising from the implementation of the proposed plan, identifying both potential risks and opportunities.
• Development of targeted mitigation, prevention, and, where appropriate, compensation measures.
• Statutory public consultation process, followed by the evaluation and integration of comments submitted by competent authorities and stakeholders prior to the final approval of the SEIA, ensuring transparency and participatory decision-making.

Furthermore, the SEIA includes a comprehensive assessment of:

• the natural environment, including geology, geomorphology, hydrology, climate, habitats, and ecosystem functions;
• the socio-economic and built environment, including demographic characteristics, infrastructure, cultural heritage assets, and economic activities;
• Natura 2000 sites and environmentally sensitive ecosystems covered by Special Environmental Study 11 (SES 11);
• the cumulative effects, synergies, and consistency with other approved plans and programmes, including the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan, the Regional Waste Management Plan, and the Flood Risk Management Plan.

Benefits

The SEIA ensures that a LUP:

• safeguards the integrity of protected areas and environmentally sensitive ecosystems;
• incorporates effective biodiversity conservation and environmental management measures;
• promotes balanced spatial development while preserving the area's natural and cultural capital;

Guided by the principles of sustainability, ecosystem conservation, and integrated spatial planning, Consortis applies a scientifically rigorous and multidisciplinary methodology that ensures the SEIA serves as the foundation for smart, resilient, and environmentally responsible spatial development.

Consortis participates in the preparation of SEIA for LUPs and SUPs (Special Urban Plans) in the following Municipalities:

1. Municipality of Pavlos – Melas 
2. Municipality of Kilkis
3. Municipality of Paionia
4. Municipality of Rethmyno 
5. Municipality of Dodoni
6. Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands
7. Municipality of Lagkadas
8. Municipality of Delta
9. Municipality of Pella 
10. Municipality of Edessa
11. Municipality of Thermaikos
12. Municipality of Amyntaio
13. Regional Unit of Pieria (SUP)
14. Regional Unit of Chalkidiki (SUP)
15. Municipality of Thermo – Agrinio (SUP)