2 THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF THE PLAN

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2.1 The Council has set out a Vision and a number of Underpinning Principles running through the Community Plan:

§ social inclusion

§ partnership

§ sustainable development.

2.2 The Council has also set out a number of Strategic Aims for all its services, these include:

§ Enhancing the quality of life and protecting the local environment.

§ Building strong communities and promoting social inclusion.

§ Protecting and strengthening the identity of East Dunbartonshire.

§ Delivering quality services through Best Value.

§ Extending local democracy.

2.3 The foregoing Principles and Aims are relevant to local planning and have been reflected in formulating this Plan. Four Guiding Principles within this Local Plan have been derived from the above, and all development proposals promoted within East Dunbartonshire will be assessed against them, which (in no order of priority) are:

a. Sustainable development,

b. The sequential approach,

c. The integration of land uses and transportation, and

d. Social Inclusion

1. Sustainable Development

All aspects of the plan aim to promote sustainable development so that enhanced economic, community and environmental resources can be passed on to future generations.

This approach enables development and growth to be promoted whilst at the same time safeguarding community resources.

The concept will also be used in the assessment of development proposals. Economic competitiveness is promoted in the area in order to retain wealth and employment locally, whilst reducing the need to travel.

The re-use of urban and well located brownfield land is key to the development strategy for the whole of the Structure Plan area in order to assist the process of renewal and regeneration.

The adoption of a ‘precautionary principle’ may also where appropriate be an important tool in ensuring development is sustainable, particularly with regards to the natural environment and flooding. In this regard development may be resisted where the nature of its impact is unclear.

The use of the “polluter pays” principle is another important tool in ensuring a sustainable future for East Dunbartonshire and this will be adopted when proposals are assessed.

2. Sequential Approach

A sequential approach is applied through many of the policies and proposals of the plan to ensure that the most beneficial locations are selected for development in terms of economic, social, environmental and transport implications. This is in order to safeguard resources from potential irreversible damage and to minimise the strain on their carrying capacity.

3. Integration of Land Uses and Transportation

Integration of land uses and transportation is central to the effective use of land. New developments should be in locations which support more sustainable travel patterns. They should be planned on the basis of providing a choice of transport modes and in accordance the general hierarchy of priority for access by walking, cycling and public transport as well as access by private vehicles.

4. Social Inclusion

Development should promote, or at least have no adverse effects on social inclusion.

The proposals in the plan promote, in partnership, strong and inclusive communities. Development proposals which come forward should aim to promote local employment and wealth – particularly important for marginalised communities and they should improve the range of housing choice, enhance the range of community facilities and promote ease of access to all of these by all sectors of the community.