Policy Implications for Local AuthoritiesCarl ValentineHead of Service – EnvironmentEast Sussex County Council

Nature of Change conference - 15 September 2011

ESCC Responsibilities

• Economy, Transport & Environment– Economic Development– Highway Maintenance & Improvements– Road Safety– Public Transport– Planning– Waste Management– Rights of Way and Countryside Management– Flood Risk Management– Minerals– High Weald Unit– Trading Standards

Newhaven Energy Recovery Facility

Biodiversity Duty

Section 40 Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act 2006:

– “Every public authority must, in exercising its functions, have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity.”

Sustainable Development

• Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

• For the planning system:– economic role– social role– environmental role

Natural Environment White Paper• Local Nature Partnerships

• Nature Improvement Areas

• Duties to facilitate coherent & resilient ecological networks

• Duties to improve the health of local people

Draft National Planning Policy Framework• Core principles include:

– positive long term vision– take account of environmental quality– protect & enhance– policies must be robust, up-to-date &

evidence based

• Transport & Infrastructure• Minerals & Waste• Development Management

Examples

• Cuckmere Pathfinder

• Pebsham Countryside Park

• Bexhill Hastings Link Road

Cuckmere Pathfinder

Cuckmere Pathfinder

Pebsham Countryside Park

Pebsham Countryside Park

Pebsham Countryside Park

Pebsham Countryside Park – Proposed Connect 2 Cycle Path between Bexhill & Hastings

Bexhill to Hastings Link Road

Bexhill to Hastings Link Road

Bexhill to Hastings Link Road

Summary

• Significant implications from a range of new and emerging national policies.

• The County Council is committed to sustainable development.

• Our challenge is to find the best balance between the economy and the environment for our community.