Sustainable Communities

What is a sustainable community?

"Sustainable communities are now an integral part of policy development at a national, regional, local and community level. The Government defines sustainable communities as places where people want to live and work, now and in the future. They meet the diverse needs of existing and future residents, are sensitive to their environment, and contribute to a high quality of life. They are safe and inclusive, well planned, built and run, and offer equality of opportunity and good services for all."

(Securing the Future, UK Sustainable Development Strategy 2005)

Sustainable communities should aim to be:

• Active, inclusive and safe - Fair, tolerant and cohesive with a strong local culture and other shared community activities;
• Well run - with effective and inclusive participation, representation and leadership;
• Environmentally sensitive - providing places for people to live that are considerate of the environment.
• Well designed and built - featuring a quality built and natural environment.
• Well connected - with good transport services and communication linking people to jobs, schools, health and other services.
• Thriving - with a flourishing and diverse local economy.
• Well served - with public, private, community and voluntary services that are appropriate to people's needs and accessible to all.
• Fair for everyone - including those in other communities, now and in the future 

 (Securing the Future, UK Sustainable Development Strategy, 2005)