2 UK and Regional Sustainable Development

2.1 The UK Sustainable Development Strategy defines sustainability as; ‘providing a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come’. It continues;

‘Although the idea is simple, the task is substantial. It means meeting four objectives at the same time, in the UK and the world as a whole:

social progress which recognises the needs of everyone;
effective protection of the environment;
prudent use of natural resources; and
maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment.’

2.2 The document entitled; ‘Core Report Part of the Integrated Regional Framework 2004: A Better Quality of Life for in the South East sets out the vision objectives, targets and measures for sustainability in the South East region.

The Overall Vision for the Region

‘Our vision is of a prosperous region delivering a high quality of life and environment for everyone, now and in the future’. This will necessitate Social progress which recognises the needs of everyone; Effective protection of the Environment; Prudent use of natural resources and Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment.

2.3 The Integrated Regional Framework (IRF) identifies 14 issues, which are of particular importance in achieving the vision, these are:

an ageing population and its implications
the impacts of changes in social attitudes and behaviour
health issues in their widest sense
reducing exclusion and deprivation and spreading economic benefits more widely
accountability, especially for socially excluded groups
transport priorities and how to improve choice and balance
globalisation and its economic impacts
the impacts of technological change
achieving economic growth with reduced impacts and consumption
ensuring an adequate supply of affordable housing
greater natural resource efficiency and a reduction in rates of consumption
more effective countryside management
responding to the climate change challenge
developing effective spatial planning responses.

2.4 The IRF develops these 14 strategic issues into 25 objectives with indicators and targets, which will be implemented via the various regional plans, strategies and programmes. These are shown in Appendix 2.

2.5 Havant Borough Council intends to integrate the IRF into the Sustainability Appraisal of the Council’s entire Local Development Framework.

Havant Borough Council, Civic Centre Road, Havant, Hampshire PO9 2AX