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Sustainability: Planning & Development

There is a clear relationship between Sustainable development and planning. Sustainable development is about shaping and changing patterns of development to ensure that social, economic and environmental needs can be met for present and future generations. The planning system which determines the location and form of development is key in delivering Sustainable development. Planning effects the use of resources, especially land, but also natural support systems such as water, Biodiversity and Air Quality. Sustainable development and planning also determine the spatial distribution and intensity of activities that have wide-ranging and lasting social, economic and environmental impacts.

Sustainable development offers a framework for providing a planning system, which can deliver sustainable outcomes. It offers the ability to integrate social, economic and environmental benefits and offers a longer-term perspective to development, which considers the needs of present and future generations. Sustainable development offers a requirement to ensure participation and effective governance at all levels of decision making in the planning process and it requires sustainable use of resources and minimal environmental damage. Sustainable development as the central organising principle for reforming the planning system ensures a planning system that can deliver outcomes that are sustainable.