The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires regional and local plans to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. This means ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, now and for future generations, by securing:
- high and stable levels of economic growth and employment
- social progress which recognises the needs of everyone
- effective protection of the environment and the prudent use of natural resources.
The Cambridge Sub-region falls within one of the four areas identified for growth under the Government’s Sustainable Communities Plan. The Plan is intended to address the housing shortage by speeding up development and increasing the provision of affordable housing.
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Structure Plan 2003 will guide development. The Plan has sustainability at the heart of its policies, concentrating development where it can minimise the need to travel and can be well served by public transport. The locations which have been chosen make efficient use of energy, resources, infrastructure and land, minimise the risk of flooding and give opportunities to improve the landscape. They avoid areas which are important for nature conservation or archaeology.
The County Council and partners are working to ensure that all new development has a high standard of design and sustainability that:
- Minimises the need to travel and reduces car dependency; for example through high density mixed use developments, good public transport and pedestrian and cycle- friendly design
- Creates a sense of place; reflecting local character and integrated with adjoining landscapes, with well-designed buildings and attractive green spaces
- Makes efficient use of energy and resources; including energy and water conservation measures and recycling facilities, siting buildings for energy efficiency, using sustainable construction processes and materials, and using renewable energy where possible.
- Takes account of community requirements, by involving the community in the development process and designing for all types of people, by including a mix of housing, and by designing to minimise opportunities for crime.