Fundamental review of land use planning

Several years ago, HSE carried out a fundamental review of its role in land use planning which concluded that land use planning work should be devolved to the local planning authorities. This would streamline the planning process and allow local authorities to access HSE advice directly through codified guidance made available to their systems.

The final changes were implemented in 2007 when planning authorities were provided with access to PADHI+, an internet-based standing advice tool through which HSE’s advice on land use planning can be obtained. Seminars were held for planning authority staff to demonstrate the system and train them in its use. They also received an information pack.

As part of the fundamental review, several reviews were undertaken of various aspects of how HSE provided land use planning advice.

An independent expert was commissioned to review HSE’s approaches to analysing hazard and risk in relation to land use planning. The purpose of this review was to look at how HSE currently undertook its analyses, how well they were performing, and if any improvements could be made.

• An independent review of HSE’s risk analysis and protection-based analysis approaches for land-use planning

Overall the review concluded that HSE’s approaches and methods for assessing risks were fit for purpose. In the majority of circumstances they were found to be neither overly optimistic nor pessimistic in their predictions when compared to those used by others. Some specific points were however raised where it was felt that improvement was possible or necessary, and a series of recommendations were made. HSE's response to the review is contained in the following document:

• HSE comments and actions on the Independent Review

HSE undertook a review of the modes and methodologies used in setting consultation distances around major hazard sites, in order to obtain a robust picture of their relative strengths and weaknesses, and prioritise their development.

• HSE land-use planning models and methodologies review