Introduction to Sustainable Development in the Countryside

The promotion of a sustainable approach to development is now a major tenet of Government policy. The Regional Development Strategy (RDS) for Northern Ireland further recognises that the application of the principles of sustainable development must also be at the heart of future rural development, and in this respect a strategic objective is to: "…conserve and enhance the environment, whilst improving the quality of life of the rural communities and developing the rural economy." In relation to Rural Northern Ireland, the overall aim of the RDS is to: "…develop an attractive and prosperous rural area, based on a balanced and integrated approach to the development of town, village and countryside, in order to sustain a strong and vibrant rural community, contributing to the overall well-being of the Region as a whole." While the policies of this PPS apply to all of the countryside of Northern Ireland, the rural area of Northern Ireland referred to above is more difficult to define. What is recognised is, that it is a diverse area with a distinctive settlement pattern, formed from a rich mosaic of main and small towns, villages and individual dwellings that is unique within the UK. Developing a sustainable economy is also at the heart of the Programme for Government. Planning and other environmental policies must play their part in facilitating economic development but not at the expense of the Region's rich natural assets and not at the expense of the natural and built environment. For all of these reasons, the Government attaches great importance to a sustainable approach to development in the countryside. An approach which strikes a balance between the need to protect the environment while simultaneously sustaining a strong and vibrant rural community.