URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING

^{PRINCIPLES AND KEY RECOMMENDATIONS}

FOR A BETTER URBAN ENVIRONMENT

It should be a fundamental requirement of government policy that towns and cities become more environmentally sustainable and healthy places to live. However, such aspirations will not be met unless:

• urban management is guided by an explicit policy for the urban environment;

• health and wellbeing are recognized as being inextricably linked with environment;

• urban growth and renewal are planned within environmental constraints;

• the environment is placed at the heart of urban design, regeneration and management;

• there is an integrated approach to the urban environment that takes account of social, physical and economic factors;

• there are incentives to reduce negative environmental impacts; and

• knowledge, capacity and skills to reduce environmental impacts and promote health and wellbeing are increased and maintained.

To put these principles into practice we call for:

• a policy for the urban environment and its impact on health;

• an environmental contract between central and local government which also involves the private, voluntary and community sectors;

• a major programme to improve the environmental performance of new and existing buildings;

• promotion of the natural urban environment and green infrastructure through planning policy;

• driving up a range of environmental standards (through the Code for Sustainable Homes, utility pricing and incentives to reduce waste and traffic in urban areas); and

• provision of appropriate skills and information.[1]

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1. LAWTON, J., The Urban Environment. 2007: ROYAL COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION.