The MWMS and the accompanying SEA must be subjected to a formal consultation process.5 The Authority must at the outset determine who, when, how and on what it will consult and how it will incorporate the outcome of the consultation in the MWMS document.
A consultation plan should be drawn up as part of the development of the MWMS. Where the development of the MWMS is running in parallel with the waste elements of the Local Development Framework (LDF) the Authority should aim to link the two processes including the consultation process.
If the options appraisal process is undertaken separately from the development of the MWMS, there is no requirement for further consultation in relation to the options appraisal at the OBC stage. It is, however, best practice6 for the OBC to be released as a public document once it has been completed and the Authority should be mindful of this when completing and documenting the options appraisal.
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5 The SEA should be conducted in parallel with the development of the MWMS and a single consultation process will inform the development of the MWMS leading to formal adoption. Much of the information generated from options appraisal for the MWMS will be required as part of the SEA appraisal.
6 Authorities which are unaware of best practice in relation to disclosure of PFI application documents should consult WIDP.