Sustainable Development 

The concept of "Sustainable Development" has been endorsed at the highest level by most of the world’s governments and this is now a major influence on the policies in this Unitary Development Plan.

Sustainable development is commonly defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Put another way it is about ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, now and for future generations to come.

Sustainable development has wide-ranging implications and is not simply confined to environmental protection. It acknowledges: -

• the need for social progress which recognises the needs of everyone;
• the necessity for effective environmental protection;
• the requirement for a prudent use of natural resources;
• the importance of economic growth and employment.

Bridgend County Borough Council fully endorses the concept of Sustainable Development and it is a primary concern of the Unitary Development Plan to balance the benefits of development against its possible impact on the environment. In this context the guiding principle of the Unitary Development Plan is: -