2 The Planning Context

Sustainability

2.1 Government guidance on sustainable development, forming the  basis for all planning policy, is set out in Planning Policy Statement 1 (PPS1) “Delivering Sustainable Communities”,  which states that ‘sustainable development is the core principle underpinning planning’. It also reflects the general policy provisions of the RCUDP, which seeks to encourage sustainable development.

Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment

2.2 In accordance with the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004), a Sustainability Appraisal (SA) has been undertaken for this SPD. Undertaking SA during the preparation of LDF documents ensures that sustainability considerations are fully taken into account and that the most sustainable options for development are selected. This involves giving consideration to the significant economic, environmental and social effects of plans including a formal assessment through Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) under the requirements of EU Directive 2001/42/EC.

2.3 The Central Elland SPD Sustainability Appraisal has assessed the sustainability of the SPD and its objectives, along with the sustainability of the relevant RCUDP policies under which this document operates.