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Sustainable Development

Please note that information about sustainable building development is NOT available on this page.

For information on this topic please contact Lancaster City Council's Planning Services on 01524 582343 or email developmentcontrol@lancaster.gov.uk

What is sustainable development?

Sustainable development recognises that our economy, environment and social well being are all connected and interdependent. It means protecting and enhancing the environment both for its own sake and because a damaged environment will sooner or later hold back economic development and affect people's quality of life.

The work of the Sustainability Partnership is based on Local Agenda 21 (LA21). As a  local product of Agenda 21, an agreement signed by more than 150 heads of state at the ‘Earth Summit’ at Rio in 1992 in response to a range of environmental problems that are harming our planet, LA21 is a programme of action needed in Lancaster district to create a more sustainable pattern of development.

The Lancaster District Sustainability Partnership

Our vision is for local communities to enjoy a good quality of life,
which is in harmony with the world environment, now and for generations to come

The Sustainability Partnership brings together local groups and individuals to actively pursue a better quality of life for all. The partnership has developed Agenda for Action, a comprehensive vision and strategy for sustainable development in the Lancaster district. You can download or view Agenda For Action using the link in the right menu.

There is a Sustainability Partnership Steering Group that meets about 6 times a year and five Sustainability Forums.

Sustainability Forums

The Sustainability Partnership promotes different aspects of sustainable development through a number of forums.These groups are open to anyone who lives or works in the Lancaster District. The only criteria for joining the forums are that you agree with their aims.   

The Energy Forum works in partnership with local businesses and organisations to promote and enhance sustainable energy in Lancaster district.

The Food Forum was set up by the Morecambe Bay Primary Care Trust. It exists to promote access to affordable, nutritious food, and to promote a sustainable food economy that supports locally produced food, ethical trade and respect for the environment. View our new Eat Local Action Plan for 2007 by clicking on the right-hand 'Quick Link'.

The Recycling Forum aims to engage with local residents, organisations, businesses and visitors to promote recycling, re-use and waste minimisation.

The Sustainable Transport Forum exists to promote an integrated, sustainable, low-cost transport infrastructure for the district.

The Wildlife Forum seeks to protect and enhance local wildlife and landscapes, encourage the participation of conservation volunteers, and develop a directory of wildlife and environmental resources.

How to get involved

If you want to get involved in sustainable development then you can. It doesn't have to cost anything or take a lot of time and it can be rewarding and fun! No one can do everything but we can all do our bit. Sustainable development is about making continuous improvements to our environment, to wellbeing within our communities and to the local economy - all at the same time.

To get involved:

1. Join a Forum  The five forums meet regularly in Lancaster and Morecambe. If you are interested in joining a forum, just send your contact details and state which group(s) you are interested in to sustainability@lancaster.gov.uk.

Help for your projects

Help from local organisations Project advice and support for businesses, voluntary groups, schools and more in the Lancaster district.

Green Partnership Awards The Green Partnership awards grants to groups and individuals to support practical environmental projects.

Sustainability Checklist This helps to assess how sustainable your projects are

Living sustainably

 If you want to live more sustainably at home or at work, think about:

• Waste reduction - re-use, repair, recycle and make compost
• Energy conservation and renewable energy
• Environmental purchasing - buy locally produced foods such as Lancashire cheese!
• Walking and cycling - it's healthy!
• Helping a neighbour or colleague