The Commons Environmental Audit Committee published a report in March arguing that the government should give a definition for “sustainable development” which the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) says should automatically get planning consent.
The government response has declined to make a legally binding definition saying that the NPPF will "make the pursuit of sustainable development its principal goal, with, crucially, the 'presumption in favour of sustainable development' permeating the whole document" [see earlier story].
Consequently it goes on to say that “a legal definition of sustainable development . . . . . is not necessarily required for planning to play an effective role in helping to promote and secure sustainable development goals."
Instead the government said the five principles of sustainable development set out in the 2005 Sustainable Development Strategy provide a "useful reference point" i.e.
- Living within environmental limits
- Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society
- Achieving a sustainable economy
- Promoting good governance
- Using sound science responsibly
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18 May 2013