This Guidebook investigates the role of Strategic Environmental Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment procedures in highlighting the effects derived from land take and soil sealing processes at planning stage, so before the decisions are taken.

It provides a general overview of the current situation in different Member States concerning the adoption of these procedures for guiding the planning decisions to reduce and compensate land take and soil sealing, highlighting the potential of these tools for ensuring a liveable compactness.

It is addressed to local and managing authorities, policy-makers, and to institutions in charge of taking decisions on the possible applications of these procedures during the land use planning process.