10.1 Two Sustainability Appraisal reports have been published for consultation alongside the Proposed Main Modifications to the South Somerset Local Plan. These were informed by a 'Compliance Review' and a Non-Technical Summary of the Sustainability Appraisal Reports has also been published.

1. Soundness Issue 1: Yeovil Strategic Growth Options
2. Other Proposed Main Modifications:

• Soundness issue 2: Policy PMT3 Ilminster Direction of Growth
• Soundness issue 3: Policy SS3 Delivering New Employment land
• Point for Clarification 1: Policy SS5 Delivering New Housing growth
• Gypsy and Traveller Needs Assessment Update: Policy HG7 Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople

10.2 They should be read in conjunction with the Sustainability Appraisal report of June 2012 (Core Document 16) and its Addendum of January 2013. Any comments received will be considered alongside comments received on the Proposed Main Modifications to the Local Plan.

10.3 The need for a Habitats Regulations Assessment arises from the European Commission’s Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and its implementation in the United Kingdom under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 – Regulation 61 (1).  This assessment needs to be undertaken where a plan or project, either alone or in combination, is likely to have a significant effect on the integrity of an International Site (one that forms part of the Natura 2000 network, plus Ramsar Sites.  In South Somerset’s case these sites are the Somerset Levels and Moors International sites and the Bracket’s Coppice over the County  border in Dorset.

10.4 Each Proposed Main Modification has been the subject of habitat regulation assessment as required by statute and the Habitat Regulation Assessment (November 2013) is published and deposited alongside the Consultation Document. Any comments made on the Habitats Regulations Assessment will be considered alongside comments received on the Proposed Main Modifications to this Local Plan.

10.5 In accordance with Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 Equality Analysis (EqA) has been carried out of these Proposed Main Modifications. The Equality Analysis is published and deposited alongside the Consultation Document.