Support

Representation ID: 3343

Received: 22/03/2021

Respondent: Ms Julie Townsend

I strongly support the inclusion of a sustainable development policy. However, the policy's contents do not align with widely-accepted definitions of what sustainable development means, and thus offer a poor foundation for incorporating sustainability into local planning. Sustainable development is accepted to mean development that meets the needs of current generations without disadvantaging future generations (see UN's Bruntland Report). This means planning must take into account future disadvantage caused by, for example, depleting finite resources, degrading the natural environment, or contributing to the climate crisis. Social sustainability is about inter- and intra-generational equity, not simply meeting current needs. Sustainable development research is also clear that local engagement, dialogue and social capital is critical to enabling sustainable forms of development (e.g. see Dale et al, 2010). This is currently not recognised in BMDC's draft policy. I recommend that BMDC's planning department should up-skill on sustainable development and take an evidence-based approach.