Support

Representation ID: 3352

Received: 22/03/2021

Respondent: Ms Julie Townsend

I largely support the spatial priorities, but recommend that greater integration is needed across these priorities and different aspects of local planning and development. Through my work I know that almost all new housing developments (nationally) are poorly sited in relation to sustainable transport, locking new residents into either car-dependency or limited mobility (see Transport for New Homes). Conversely, behavioural research shows that when people move home, it provides a crucial opportunity for influencing sustainable behaviours, such as use of public transport/active travel. If planning, transport and other areas of development were joined up, it would enable such opportunities to be seized, and the cycle of car-dependent communities to be addressed.

I additionally disagree with the references to 'sustainable growth'. Much sustainable development research shows it is an obsession with growth that has led to environmental crises and widening inequality, and recommends we become 'agnostic' about growth (see Doughnut Economics).