Integration of sustainable development into planning decisions

For the planning system furthering sustainable development in the long term public interest requires the integration and balancing of complex social, economic and environmental factors when plan-making and decision-taking. Planning authorities should deliver on all three pillars of sustainable development in formulating policies and plans and in determining planning applications and appeals. This means: • On the needs and aspirations of our society – facilitating sustainable housing growth in response to changing housing need (including delivery of social and affordable homes), supporting urban and rural regeneration (including proposals to address dereliction and promoting investment in the physical regeneration of deprived areas); progressing policies, plans and proposals that can improve the health and well-being of local communities; and helping build a strong and shared society. • On the economy – contributing to the Executive's key commitments and priorities for promoting economic recovery and balanced growth; tackling disadvantage by ensuring economic considerations are accorded appropriate weight in plan preparation and the taking of planning decisions; and ensuring the speedy progression of local development plans (LDPs) and decisions through the planning process. • On the environment – protecting and enhancing the built and natural environment (including our heritage assets, landscape and seascape character); seeking to ensure the planning system contributes to a reduction in energy and water usage, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by continuing to support growth in renewable energy sources; promoting