Sea audit team's independence

The report Planning Zones Extension: Move May Breach Directive (July 26) sheds some doubt on the independence, or otherwise, of the Sea (strategic environment assessment) audit team.

May I point out that the local plans process is piloted by Mepa and not by the ministry. Thus, independence of the team has to be considered in this context and I am sure readers will appreciate that all team members are totally independent of Mepa.

I would also like to point out that the Sea audit team's decisions are covered by a European Commission directive and, thus, subject to scrutiny before the European Court of Justice. This is further confirmation that this team operates above board.

With regard to the composition of the Sea audit team, may I highlight the fact that the team members have been chosen for their expertise in the environmental (technical) and environmental (legal) spheres and the socio-economical aspect.