Overarching Policy on Sustainable Development

ional planning policy. SP2 - Overarching Policy on Sustainable Development 1) The council will take a positive approach to the consideration of development proposals that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. 2) The council will work proactively with applicants to find solutions that mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area. 3) To contribute to the sustainability of the district, all development must take into account the need to: a) Tackle climate change by reducing carbon emissions helping the council achieve its ambition of net-zero emissions by 2030 for our own emissions and to achieve district-wide net zero carbon by 2045, increasing energy and water efficiency of buildings, promoting the use of renewable energy systems, and using other natural resources wisely, including through the use of sustainable building materials; b) Avoid development in areas at risk from all sources of flooding unless appropriate mitigation measures can be demonstrated, and manage water and flood risk through the use and maintenance of Sustainable Drainage Systems; c) Make efficient use of land by prioritising development on previously developed, brownfield land and incorporating mixed-use development wherever possible, recognising that some previously developed land can have significant biodiversity value; d) Optimise the use of land including through an uplift in the density of development where appropriate; e) Reduce waste going to landfill by reducing materials used, reusing and recycling building materials, encourage the re-use and renovation of buildings as opposed to demolition and providing opportunities for recycling wherever possible; f) Protect and enhance our natural, built and historic environments from inappropriate development, improve the diversity of wildlife and habitats including protecting vulnerable species, and taking account of the need for biodiversity net gain; g) Build mixed and sustainable communities by providing housing across a range of tenures and types, including affordable housing and specialist and supported accommodation to meet needs; h) Maintain high levels of employment by attracting jobs and training opportunities for local people and supporting businesses; i) Improve access to jobs, skills, services and facilities particularly within areas of deprivation in the district; j) Sustain the viability and vitality of the Principal Town, Small Towns/Large Suburban Settlements, Large Villages/Suburban Settlements and Green Belt Villages/Small Suburban Settlements as identified in the Three Rivers Settlement Hierarchy; k) Protect and enhance existing social and community facilities, and provide new facilities; l) Reduce the need to travel by locating development in accessible locations and promoting a range of sustainable travel modes with priority given to cycling and walking; m) Provide necessary infrastructure to enable and/ or support development, including (but not limited to) transport, education, health, Green and Blue Infrastructure, utilities, waste facilities, waste water, flood risk mitigation, leisure, cultural and community facilities; n) Promote buildings and public spaces of a high enduring design quality that respect local distinctiveness, take into account Neighbourhood Plan character areas where available, are accessible to all, reduce opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour and encourage active lifestyles; and o) Manage and reduce risk of and from pollution in relation to quality of land, air and water and dealing with land contamination. Reasoned Justification: 4.28 The NPPF is underpinned by a presumption in favour of sustainable development which applies both in plan -making and decision taking. The Overarching Policy on Sustainable Development is a strategic policy that sets out the council’s approach to sustainable development and will be complemented by more detailed policies in the Local Plan, enshrines the presumption in favour of sustainable development, and provides details of the specific local circumstances relevant to the achievement of sustainable development in Three Rivers. Infrastructure Delivery 4.29 In addition to providing a significant increase in the quantum of new housing (and other forms of development, such as employment, education etc), to meet needs in Three Rivers, it is important to ensure that sufficient infrastructure is in place to meet the planned growth. 4.30 The Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) was produced to ensure growth is accompanied with the appropriate infrastructure, in order to establish sustainable development. Developers must ensure that new development is accompanied by the appropriate infrastructure as per the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, Local Plan policies and site allocation policies. 4.31 Infrastructure can include community assets such as healthcare, schools and other community buildings; transport infrastructure such as footpaths, cycle paths and roads; and green spaces, such as parks, country parks and other general ecological enhancements. 4.32 As per Planning Practice Guidance, the Infrastructure Delivery Plan was produced following extensive consultation with infrastructure providers and stakeholders 4.33 The Planning Act 2008, which established the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), provides the legislative framework for infrastructure funding. The framework is designed to ensure that new developments contribute proportionately to the strategic and local infrastructure needs. While CIL provides a broad funding base, Section 106 (S106) Agreements are also a vital tool for addressing site -specific impacts and should operate alongside CIL. The council recognises that national policy regarding developer contr ibutions is subject to reform; therefore, this policy framework is designed to remain resilient and adaptable to any future statutory replacements of CIL or S106. 4.34 The council requires a range of contributions from major development projects to mitigate their impact on the wider community. Depending on the nature of the requirement, these obligations are directed to either the District Council or Hertfordshire County Coun cil. For requirements governed by the County —such as education, highways, and library servic