Is there a tension between sustainable development and sustainable communities?

I often get asked to explain the links between creating sustainable communities and delivering sustainable development. In many cases, people question whether there’s an apparent tension between these two major policies.

It’s a perfectly fair question and I understand its basis – for instance, some people perceive a threat to greenfield areas and the potential strains of large-scale developments on existing infrastructure. However, in my mind there’s no need for such tension. That’s because sustainable communities aim to balance and integrate environmental, social and economic goals. Sustainable communities embody and deliver the principles of sustainable development at the regional and local level. For example, they involve making better use of physical and natural resources, developing on brownfield land, creating efficient transport links, promoting the importance of open space and reducing social inequalities. Achieving sustainable communities is a means of delivering sustainable development for individual places.

People are at the heart of the sustainable communities agenda. ‘Sustainable’ in this context means ensuring places meet the needs of local people – now and for generations to come. By delivering better places that will stand the test of time, the aim is to give local people a greater sense of place and pride in their area: a real sense of ownership and belonging. Increased opportunities combined with stronger social bonds will help increase the prospect that communities take root and do not wither or relapse once the spotlight and funding has moved on to the next area of need or opportunity.

Throughout the country we can see the encouragement of high-quality design, the provision of new economic opportunities, the effective management of environmental resources and a focus on social inclusion and cultural diversity.

Creating sustainable communities is a key element of the UK Sustainable Development Strategy, while supporting sustainable development is a central objective of the Government’s drive to create and renew sustainable communities. This agenda provides an exciting opportunity, for individuals and for organisations, to change the way that we plan, develop and sustain places in this country.

Peter Roberts is Chair of ASC and Professor of Sustainable Spatial Development at the University of Leeds