Development Management Policies - Direction of ... - Islington Council

1 Introduction and Consultation Details
1.2 Sustainable Development
1.2.1 Sustainable development is the core principle underpinning planning. At the heart of
sustainable development is the simple idea of ensuring a better quality of life for everyone,
now and for future generations (1) .
1.2.2 This means meeting the diverse and changing needs of all people in existing and future
communities, promoting personal wellbeing and inclusion; creating equal opportunity for
all and creating stability for effective community development and cohesion. Sustainable
development recognises that to achieve this we must respect the limits of the planet’s
environment, resources and biodiversity – both to improve our own environment and to
ensure that the natural resources needed for life are unimpaired and remain so for future
generations (2) .
1.2.3 A holistic approach to sustainability requires the development of sustainable communities.
Sustainable communities are places where people want, and are enabled to, live and
work, now and in the future. They are sufficiently flexible and adaptable to meet the diverse
needs of existing and future residents; are sensitive to their environment; and contribute
to a high quality of life. They are safe and inclusive, well planned, built and run, and offer
equality of opportunity and good services for all. The diagram below (Figure 1.2) expresses
the key components needed for achieving sustainable communities.
1 Planning Policy Statement 1: Delivering Sustainable Development.
2 Adapted from Securing the Future, UK Government Sustainable Development Strategy
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Islington Council Development Management Policies - Direction of Travel