Looking after the North East  

INTRODUCTION

4.1 The health and well-being of our communities, both now and in the future, depend to a large extent upon the quality of the environment that surrounds us. The structure plan policies provide a framework for the natural, built and cultural aspects of the environment, in accordance with the plan’s strategy, in particular Objectives 1 and 5, and the aims which include working with nature, encouraging diversity, minimising harmful environmental impact; and fostering quality and the unique cultural identity of the North East.

4.2 The structure plan seeks to promote, protect and enhance the rich and varied environment of the North East. The approach taken is to give special protection to international, national and locally designated sites of environmental importance, and also to foster the natural and built heritage as a whole. This means taking into consideration landscapes and the biodiversity of habitats and species outwith designated areas, and seeking high quality design in development wherever it takes place.

4.3 One of the aims of the plan is to minimise the use of non-renewable resources and use renewable resources within their carrying capacity, minimising waste. Policies focus on the more sustainable use of agricultural land, forestry and minerals. The need to reduce waste is stressed, and more sustainable ways of managing waste are encouraged.