Assessing the performance of the EA process

Abstract

The focus of the article is on evaluating ‘how well’ the environmental assesssment (EA) process is working in practice, particularly within the UK planning system. Two approaches to performance measurement are proposed and the methods for developing performance indicators within each of these are analysed. Initial results from using these two approaches are presented which are helpful in providing some preliminary evidence on the performance of the process as a whole, and of its constituent stages, in the UK situation. Recommendations are made on the further development and refinement of performance indicators for the EA process and for their use, as part of a quality control system, to improve future performance.