HILLINGDON UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN - London Borough ...

2.17 The Government in its White Paper "This Common Inheritance" (Cm. 1200,1990) and in
"Sustainable Development: The UK Strategy" (Cm. 2426, 1994) provides the basis for integrating
environmental protection and enhancement into policies and practices concerned with economic and social
development. The White Paper recognises the importance of Design Guidance, Conservation Areas and
archaeology, and the economic value of environmental quality. It provides for the development of
environmental strategies by local authorities as an important element in achieving sustainable development
(defined as that which meets the needs of the current generation without affecting the needs of future
generations). This is a clear signal of change on the part of the Government which suggest that more
weight can be accorded to environmental issues in 1990s. Account is also taken of PPG15, PPG16 and
PPG9 which deal with ‘Planning and the Historic Environment’, ‘Archaeology’, and ‘Nature Conservation’
respectively.
Regional Context
2.18 In SERPLAN’S review of Regional Guidance ('A new Strategy for the South East' [SERPLAN
October 1996)), the environment and the economy are regarded as being inextricably linked. It is therefore
recognised that people demand an environment which is safer and cleaner, ecologically sound, aesthetically
pleasing and pollution free. This can be achieved by maintaining and enhancing the environment through
the reduction of pollution, congestion and dereliction as well as the conservation of attractive buildings,
important habitats, and attractive landscapes. It also emphasises the importance of new development being
designed so as to fit harmoniously into its local environment.
2.19 Town centres are our most important public areas and, almost by definition, they are likely to
contain some of the oldest buildings and outworn infrastructure, some of which will require redevelopment
or restoration. There should be a firm commitment to improving the environment in these areas most
affected by decline and decay and to restoring high value uses to redundant central sites without destroying
their often cherished character or causing over-development and increased congestion.
Metropolitan Context
2.20 Strategic Planning Advice (1994) recognises that environmental policies are primary policies,
and all other policies have to take account of the environment and their effect on it. Advice also recognises
that environmental improvements are a pre-requisite to the successful attraction of employment generating
development in strategic centres, and that improvements are also urgently needed to external environments
of high density estates, and to promote a better urban environment in and around the older industrial and
commercial areas throughout London. LPAC advises the re-affirmation and strengthening of Metropolitan
Open Land policies and resistance to the loss of small open public spaces as well as greater recreational use
being made of Metropolitan Open Land and Green Belt land and Green Chains. The importance of all open
spaces in an area as large and as densely developed as London, should not be underestimated.
2.21 Boroughs are advised that in relation to nature conservation proposals which secure the
protection and management of sites of nature conservation and ecological interest should be identified and
brought forward. Canals are accorded a high importance and boroughs are advised to establish a policy
framework to increase their use as passenger and freight transport routes, to maximise their recreation and
tourism potential, and to protect their landscape, ecological and conservation importance. London has
many areas of archaeological importance reflecting two millennia of urban settlement. Boroughs are
advised to preserve such areas and in cases where this is not possible it is important that investigations are
carried out prior to damage or destruction and the findings published and preserved.
2.22 Strategic Planning Guidance 1989 contains the following objectives:
- to sustain and improve the amenity of residential districts; and
- to give high priority to the environment, maintain the Green Belt and Metropolitan Open
Land, preserve fine views, conservation areas, surrounding countryside and natural heritage.
(SPG para 10).
London Borough of Hillingdon Unitary Development Plan