8. Subject to regulations 10 and 12, where–
(a)the first formal preparatory act of a plan or programme is on or after 21st July 2004; and
(b)the plan or programme is of the description set out in regulation 9,
the responsible authority shall carry out, or secure the carrying out of, an environmental assessment in accordance with Part 3 of these Regulations, during the preparation of that plan or programme and before its adoption or submission to the legislative procedure.