PART 1

Environmental governance
CHAPTER 1

Improving the natural environment

Environmental improvement plans

Renewing plans: interim targets
14
1
A new plan prepared by the Secretary of State under section 13 must—
a
set at least one interim target in respect of each relevant matter, and
b
secure that there is at all times, until the end of the 5 year period beginning with the relevant date, an interim target set by the plan in respect of each relevant matter.
2
A “relevant matter” means any matter in respect of which there is a target under sections 1 to 3.
3
Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of a matter if the specified date for the target under sections 1 to 3 in respect of that matter is before the end of the 5 year period beginning with the relevant date.
4
An interim target in respect of a matter must specify—
a
a standard to be achieved, which must be capable of being objectively measured, and
b
a date by which it is to be achieved.
5
The date must be no later than the end of the 5 year period beginning with—
a
for the first interim target set by the new plan in respect of a matter, the relevant date;
b
for subsequent interim targets set by the new plan in respect of a matter, the date specified for the previous interim target.
6
Before setting an interim target in respect of a matter, the Secretary of State must be satisfied that meeting it would make an appropriate contribution towards meeting the target under sections 1 to 3 in respect of that matter.
7
The “relevant date” is the first day of the period to which the new plan relates.
8
In this section references to the “new plan” are to be read in accordance with section 13.