Sustainable development definition and principles

Sustainable development is at the heart of the SPPS and the planning system. Whilst there are a variety of expressions of the term sustainable development one of the more widely accepted definitions is to be found under Resolution 42/187 of the United Nations Assembly which defines sustainable development as 'meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.' This definition is currently reflected in the RDS 2035, and is supported by the SPPS. The Department also supports the six guiding principles set out in the Northern Ireland Executive's Sustainable Development Strategy – Everyone's Involved, namely: • living within environmental limits; • ensuring a strong, healthy, just and equal society; • achieving a sustainable economy; • using sound science responsibly; • promoting opportunity and innovation; and • promoting good governance.