Abstract
Current legislation in the United Kingdom provides for environmental assessments of individual developments. This article examines the case for its extension to include the use of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) in planning and decision-making relevant to the water environment. The potential benefits are illustrated by reference to a number of flood alleviation studies. It is argued that the adoption of SEA as a process would be helpful in the preparation of both catchment management plans and land-use plans. From a longer-term perspective SEA is viewed as an important instrument in promoting sustainable development.

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